Exclusive: Sheffield United Place CSKA Sofia’s Adrián Lapeña on Their Defensive Target List

Sheffield United are monitoring Adrian Lapena’s situation at CSKA Sofia following their disastrous start to the new season, SportsBoom has been told.

Last weekend’s defeat at Swansea City was their third loss in a row since returning to competitive action following last term’s play-off final defeat.

With Bristol City and Birmingham City also claiming victories over The Blades in recent weeks, new boss Ruben Selles is already coming under pressure having replaced the hugely popular Chris Wilder earlier this summer.

A woefully porous defence is Selles’ main cause of concern, with Bosnia and Herzegovina international Anel Ahmedhodzic recently completing a move to Feyenoord. 

Ben Mee, previously of Brentford, has been invited to train with United as the former Hull City and Reading chief battles to save his job.

But a number of potential alternatives are also being considered with, according to sources in the country, Lapena chief among them.

One member of COH Sports, the consortium which completed a takeover of The Blades just before Christmas, is known to have strong contacts in Bulgaria with a number of young players already making the move from the Balkans to Bramall Lane in recent months.

Lapena, who has made nearly 30 senior appearances since swapping Cordoba for the Vasil Levski National Stadium, is viewed as a viable target given United’s strong connections with the country and the fact he is a Spaniard like Selles.

VITAL EXPERIENCE

Having also represented Deportivo La Coruna, Castellon and Real Sociedad B since turning professional a decade ago, the centre-half possesses the experience required to step straight into The Blades’ starting eleven.

Mee’s knowledge of English football makes him Selles’ preferred option. But Lapena, aged 29, would be interested in the possibility of linking-up with his compatriot should the opportunity arise.

Six years Lapena’s senior, Mee left Brentford at the end of June when his contract expired. He also counts spells at Burnley, Leicester City and Manchester City on his CV and won promotion from the second tier whilst at Turf Moor in 2016. 

He also played for the Clarets in Europe and spent a brief spell as their assistant manager following Sean Dyche’s departure.