Sheffield United have effectively withdrawn their contract offer to defender Kean Bryan with Middlesbrough the latest club to register an interest in the 24-year-old, according to the Sheffield Star.

The Blades have been keen to keep hold of Bryan this summer and had offered him a new deal with his contract having come to an end.

It had been reported that West Brom were interested in making a move for the 24-year-old earlier on in the window but they have since secured a loan deal for Brighton’s Matt Clarke.

The latest report from Football Insider has revealed that Middlesbrough have now entered the race for Bryan’s signature this summer.

It is believed that the 24-year-old is being eyed as a potential alternative singing to Cardiff City’s Ciaron Brown after Boro’s efforts to sign the defender were knocked back by the Bluebirds. That comes after Neil Warnock confirmed the club’s interest in him.

The latest report from the Sheffield Star has now revealed that the Blades have effectively now withdrawn their contract offer to Bryan with the defender thought to be exploring the possibility of making the switch to the Riverside.

The Verdict

This update suggests that Sheffield United are finally ready to give up on keeping hold of Bryan this summer, and you can understand why the 24-year-old would be wanting to move away from the club to try and get regular first-team football.

He was a key part of the side in the second half of last term in the Premier League but that was more down to injury issues within their squad.

Middlesbrough are an attractive proposition for a player like Bryan and there is a need for them to bring in a new defender with Bryan’s versatility of being able to operate as both a full-back and at centre-back.

You could see him fitting in perfectly well with Warnock’s squad and he appears to be an excellent option for them to sign on a free transfer.

If Sheffield United have now basically withdrawn their contract offer for Bryan then that suggests that Middlesbrough will have a major chance of securing his signature.

Boro might need to move swiftly in case other sides come in for the 24-year-old but they seem to be very much in pole position to secure his signature.