Sheffield United eye up move for defender Aaron Phillips

Aaron Phillips, pictured in action against Sheffield Uniteds Graham Kelly, could emerge as a target for new Blades boss Chris Wilder this summer

Chris Wilder, who took charge at Bramall Lane earlier this month, is thought to have monitored the 22-year-old’s progress before winning the League Two title with Northampton Town last season. Phillips is set to leave the Ricoh Arena, where he has made over 60 appearances since graduating from City’s academy, as manager Tony Mowbray prepares to overhaul his squad.

But with United also set to undergo a drastic makeover - Wilder released 10 players and transfer listed another seven after being unveiled as Nigel Adkins’ successor - Phillips hopes to be offered an immediate route back into football with the South Yorkshire club.

The full-back, whose father David was a member of City’s 1987 FA Cup winning side, featured as a second-half substitute when Mowbray’s team ended United’s promotion hopes just over three weeks ago.

Adkins, who was relieved of his duties soon after that 3-1 defeat, is scheduled to attend an interview at Bolton Wanderers later today as chairman Ken Anderson and chief executive Dean Holdsworth continue the search for Neil Lennon’s replacement.

Anderson is believed to have been involved in takeovers at Southampton and Reading where Adkins previously worked before joining United in June last year.

Charlton Athletic are also known to have considered appointing Adkins after Wilder rejected a move to The Valley when news of United’s interest broke.

Wanderers, who were relegated from the Championship last term, are also known to view Peter Reid as a candidate for the vacancy created when Lennon departed by mutual consent in March.

Blades: P39