Transfer Centre

Liverpool 'dealt blow in pursuit of Sheffield United teen Oliver Arblaster'

By Carter White | 19 February 2024

Sheffield United are set to offer 19-year-old Oliver Arblaster a long-term contract at Bramall Lane, with Liverpool keen on the England Under-20 international.

Sheffield United are reportedly prepared to offer Oliver Arblaster a new contract, dealing Liverpool a massive blow in their pursuit of his services.

The 19-year-old spent the first half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at third-tier side Port Vale, playing 20 matches in League One at the Midlands club.

Arblaster made the net ripple on two occasions and provided one assist for Vale before being recalled by the Blades following the appointment of Chris Wilder as head coach.

The midfielder possesses relative international pedigree, having represented England at Under-20 level since his debut for the Three Lions in 2023.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Sheffield United are preparing to make the next step in order to secure the long-term future of youngster Arblaster.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder applauds fans after the match on January 30, 2024 © Reuters

The report claims that the struggling Blades are set to offer the former Bradford Park Avenue man a new deal at Bramall Lane in the coming days.

It is understood that United are very keen to commit Arblaster's long-term future following a host of interest from top sides in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are said to be one of the outfits monitoring the progress of the midfielder, who is yet to feature for the Blades this term.

However, news that Arblaster is close to putting pen to paper on new terms in South Yorkshire puts a potential summer switch to Anfield in serious doubt.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on February 17, 2024 © Reuters

After being recalled from Port Vale last month, the 19-year-old is edging towards his first-ever Premier League appearance for Wilder's basement dwellers.

Following a damning 5-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon, Sheffield United sit rock bottom of the top-flight standings, seven points behind 17th-placed Luton Town.

Arblaster has featured five times for United during the early stages of his career, including four appearances in the Championship last term as Paul Heckingbottom's men secured automatic promotion.

Looking to record only their fourth Premier League win of the campaign, Sheffield United - and potentially Arblaster - will face a resurgent Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Sunday.