Football
Exclusive: Sheffield United Target Sunderland’s Dan Ballard Amid Promotion Race Twist
Sheffield United is eyeing Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, pending Premier League promotion. Ballard, a Northern Ireland international, is key for both clubs, with Sunderland holding the negotiating power. The Blades are favorites for promotion, setting up a potential face-off with Sunderland in the Championship play-off final. Ballard's future hinges on which club secures promotion.
Leicester City v Sunderland - Sky Bet Championship by Stephen White - CameraSport | Getty Images
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is confident of signing Sunderland centre-back Dan Ballard, but that all depends on which club secures Premier League promotion, SportsBoom sources can reveal.
Blades boss Wilder is a big fan of Northern Ireland international defender Ballard, a no-nonsense defender who has impressed this season for rivals the Black Cats.
Both clubs are currently fighting it out for a memorable promotion back to the top-flight, with former Arsenal academy graduate Ballard now caught in the middle of a battle for his signature.
The 25-year-old is contracted to Sunderland until June 2028, so the North East outfit have all the bargaining chips in their favour.
He signed a new deal in July 2024 to extend his time in Wearside, but Premier League promotion for either club prove pivotal in where he is playing his football next season.
But if the Blades win promotion back to the big time, then Ballard could be tempted to jump ship with the chance to play at the top level
The Blades hammered Bristol City 3-0 in the first leg of their promotion play-off semi-final and our now favourites to secure a coveted spot in the Championship play-off final at Wembley later this month.
TWIST OF FATE
And in an ironic twist of fate, they could easily face Sunderland in the final, with their promotion-rivals having established a welcome 2-1 lead over Coventry City after the first leg of their semi-final showdown.
The Blades host the Robins tonight at Bramall Lane tonight looking to take a giant step towards getting back in the Premier League. Then the Black Cats host the Sky Blues at the Stadium at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, knowing a draw will be enough to see them get through to the final.
Ballard has been a key player for French manager Regis Le Bris’ impressive side as they gun to get back to the Premier League for the first time since being relegated from the top-flight at the end of the 2016-17 season.
The versatile centre-back, who has been capped 28 times by his country, has played three seasons for Sunderland in the Championship and is desperate to test himself at the next level.
He has made 86 appearances for the Black Cats during his time at the club and chipped in with five goals.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.