Liverpool dealt huge blow in wonderkid pursuit

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 18 Feb 2024 18:21 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Sheffield United wonderkid Ollie Arblaster have taken a massive hit following news that the Blades are set to offer him a new long-term deal at the club.

Arblaster, 19, spent the first six months of the 2023-24 season on loan at League One side Port Vale before being recalled by Chris Wilder.

His form for Port Vale has attracted numerous suitors, with Liverpool one of the clubs interested in signing him, as per Anfield Watch.

The central midfielder is regarded as one of England’s most promising youngsters and Sheffield United are determined to retain his services.

The length of Arblaster’s current contract at Bramall Lane is unknown, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed that he is set to be rewarded with a bumper new deal.

What has Fabrizio Romano said?

Transfer expert Romano posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “EXCL: Sheffield United are set to offer Ollie Arblaster new long term deal to plan for his future at the club amid top PL clubs interest.

“England U20 international could make his Premier League debut soon after being recalled from loan.”

Sheffield United are currently rock bottom of the English top flight and they were thumped 5-0 by Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. Goals from Facundo Bounanotte, Danny Welbeck, Jack Robinson (OG) and Simon Adingra (x2) were enough to put Wilder’s side to the sword after an early red card for Mason Holgate following a poor challenge on Kaoru Mitoma.

Arblaster made 20 League One appearances for Port Vale during his half-season loan spell at the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the division.

The 19-year-old made his senior Sheffield United debut last season, playing four times in the Championship as the Blades achieved promotion back to the Premier League via a second-place finish.