Brighton and Hove Albion and Sheffield United are both interested in signing MK Dons centre-back Harry Darling ahead of the summer window, as per a report from Wales Online.
The 22-year-old was a vital cog in Liam Manning's machine during the 2021/22 campaign, recording 41 league appearances and appearing as one of the first names on the teamsheet for the League One side as they narrowly missed out on promotion.
Not only has he been a solid figure defensively - but he also scored seven goals in the third tier as an attacking weapon - playing his part in taking the club agonisingly close to promotion.
Swansea are one side that have kept tabs on his progress since last summer and though they succeeded in recruiting Andy Fisher from Russell Martin's old side - they have been unable to lure Darling to South Wales yet - though they are still interested in securing his signature.
However, the Swans are waiting to offload players before bringing others in, potentially allowing the likes of the Seagulls and the Blades to move ahead in the race for Darling with both sides thought to be actively considering a bid for the 22-year-old.
The latter are also reportedly monitoring Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Dion Sanderson at this stage, though they may face a tussle with Sunderland in their bid to land him.
The Verdict:
Darling will be aware of Matt Clarke's current predicament at the Amex Stadium, with the ex-West Bromwich Albion loanee going out on temporary spells three times since his arrival on the south coast.
In fact, he isn't even guaranteed to be in the first team next season either, potentially a warning sign to the MK Dons centre-back considering Clarke also made the considerable step up to join the Seagulls.
He could potentially get a decent amount of playing time at Bramall Lane, though he will want assurances regarding that considering Chris Basham, John Egan and Jack Robinson look like the established starters at this stage.
Jack O'Connell may also return at some point and if he's as good as he was before his long-term setback, he will be a starter for Heckingbottom every week, so this move may not be all that good for the 22-year-old either.
Swansea, on the other hand, have Martin at their disposal and with the Swans' manager and the defender already establishing a relationship from their time together in Buckinghamshire, a move to South Wales may be his best option if he wants to play every week.