Sheffield United are one of three Championship sides currently in the race for Brazilian goalkeeper Victor Braga, as per a report from the Daily Mail.

The 30-year-old currently plies his trade with Portuguese top-tier outfit Arouca, and although he's been a regular player for his current side this term, his contract there expires at the end of the season.

This could allow the likes of the Blades and their second-tier rivals Bristol City and Reading to swoop in, with all three reported to be monitoring his situation ahead of a potential approach in the summer.

 

 

The second-tier trio may only have a limited budget to worth with next season, especially the Royals who will be operating within the business plan they agreed with the EFL back in November, with the Robins desperately attempting to remain within the EFL's profitability and sustainability rules.

Compared to that, Paul Heckingbottom's men have a lot of freedom, but after two windows of conservative spending since their return to the Championship, they may find themselves working with a small budget again unless they are promoted back to the Premier League at the end of this term.

Looking less at the whole squad and more at the goalkeeping department though, we take a look at two knock-on effects that could occur at Bramall Lane if they won the race for Braga.

Foderingham relegated to the bench again?

Soccer Football - Championship - Sheffield United v Blackburn Rovers - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - February 23, 2022 Sheffield United's Wes Foderingham celebrates after the match Action Images/Ed Sykes

This would be a major injustice if this was to happen - because Foderingham has been superb this season and thoroughly deserves to keep his starting spot after stepping up to replace Robin Olsen.

It previously looked as though the ex-Rangers man would be spending the majority of his season on the bench again with Sweden international Olsen coming in as a replacement for Aaron Ramsdale in the summer.

However, Olsen endured a mixed spell in South Yorkshire and after sustaining an injury on international duty back in November, he spent time out and it never looked as though he would be able to force his way back into the starting 11 after that.

This leaves the current first-choice keeper in pole position to be a starter against next term - but if Braga impresses - it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Brazilian shot-stopper take a starting spot with officials at Bramall Lane seeing him shine in the Portuguese top division.

Davies to depart?

Soccer Football - Championship - Sheffield United v Stoke City - Bramall Lane, Sheffield, Britain - October 16, 2021 Stoke City's Adam Davies Action Images/Craig Brough EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Welsh international Adam Davies only arrived at the club back in January for a modest six-figure fee - but was expected to push Foderingham all the way for his number one jersey after recording some solid displays for Stoke City earlier in the season.

However, he has failed to record a single appearance for the Blades yet and would probably be pushed back to third in the pecking order if Braga was to arrive.

At 29, he still has plenty to give in the second tier and this is why he may push for a move away if this transfer does materialise - because his chances of winning regular first-team football would be reduced further.

And with Wales one game away from winning a spot in the World Cup, he will need to be playing as much as possible if he wants to ensure he's on the plane to Qatar in the winter.