Sheffield United ‘looking for former Liverpool star’ – Blades aim to return to Premier League at first attempt

Sheffield United are reportedly hoping to sign the former England star this summer as he looks to return to the Premier League for the first time.

The Blades were relegated from the top flight last season after a disastrous campaign in which they won just three of their 38 matches.

Chris Wilder’s side started the new season in excellent style with a 2-0 win over Preston North End in their Championship opener on Friday, confirming their position as one of the favourites for promotion.

They have already made some big moves in the market this summer, including the signings of Kieffer Moore, Callum O’Hare, Alfie Gilchrist and Harry Souttar.

According to The Sun, the Blades are now planning to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in what would be an incredibly ambitious move.

The report indicated that Oxlade-Chamberlain, who joined Besiktas last summer after leaving Liverpool, was hoping to return to the Premier League this year after falling out of favour in Turkey.

However, with a lack of offers coming his way, the 35-times capped England international is believed to be potentially open to a move to a prestigious Championship club.

With Sheffield United favourites to advance, a move to Bramall Lane would seem to be a good option for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The midfielder made 30 appearances for Besiktas last year, scoring four goals, but the Turkish giants are reportedly willing to let Oxlade-Chamberlain leave this summer.

It comes after former Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst took over and the Dutchman attempted to rebuild his squad.

Oxlade-Chamberlain rose to fame playing for Southampton’s youth team before joining Arsenal at the age of 17.

He then played 198 games for the Gunners until 2017, when Liverpool signed him for £35 million.

Oxlade-Chamberlain started his Reds career with a bang but his career at the club was ultimately marred by fitness issues. Despite this, the 30-year-old won five trophies.

In total he made 146 appearances over six years before moving from Merseyside to Turkey.