Sheffield United eyeing double loan swoop

Sheffield United are making efforts to secure loan deals for Villarreal striker Ben Brereton-Diaz and Anderlecht goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, per the Daily Mail.

Brereton-Diaz, the 24-year-old Chile international, joined La Liga outfit Villarreal last summer after leaving Blackburn as a free agent but has faced challenges in making an impact. The potential arrival of Brereton-Diaz might lead to Sheffield United forward Benie Traore moving on loan to Nantes.

Nantes are contemplating ending the loan of Arsenal’s Brazilian winger Marquinhos, who is eager to participate in the CONMEBOL pre-Olympic tournament later this month. Meanwhile, The Blades are aspiring to secure the services of 37-year-old goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel as he seeks a return to the Premier League.

The goalkeeper departed England to join Nice in August 2022 after failing to reach an agreement to extend his £120,000-per-week contract at Leicester City.

Schmeichel spent only one season with Nice before joining Anderlecht in September 2023.

Schmeichel’s contract with Anderlecht is set to expire in the summer, having kept two clean sheets in 13 appearances for the Belgian club.

Brereton-Diaz might make a return to the United Kingdom after leaving Blackburn last summer. Despite making 19 appearances for Villarreal since joining, the forward has yet to score and has only started two games in the Spanish top-flight this season.