Brighton and Hove Albion have submitted an £8m bid for Sheffield United defender Jack O'Connell, according to a report by The Daily Mail.

The Seagulls have been desperately searching for a new centre-back to provide competition with Leon Balogun, Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy.

O'Connell has been a major target and they firmed up their interest in him with an £8m bid, as well as submitting a £3m offer for Dan Burn of Wigan Athletic.

In his two seasons with the Blades, O'Connell has amassed nearly 100 appearances already for the club.

The 24-year-old, formerly of Blackburn Rovers and Brentford, established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the division last term and this has caught the attention of Premier League sides, including Brighton.

Sheffield United have lined up Jake Cooper as a potential replacement for O'Connell if he does depart.

The Verdict

O'Connell has been so vital for Sheffield United over the last two seasons and they must try to retain him at all costs.

It would be a major blow to lose him so close to the end of the window.

But if they could get Cooper in as his replacement, then that would represent good business.

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