Sheffield United ‘eye-up move for former Liverpool and Arsenal star’ – as Blades look to return to the Premier League at the first attempt

Sheffield United are reportedly hoping to sign a former England star this summer so they can return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Last season the Blades were relegated from the top division after a disappointing campaign in which they won just three of their 38 games.

Chris Wilder’s side made a brilliant start to the new season with a 2-0 win over Preston North End in their opening Championship game on Friday, underlining their status as one of the favourites for promotion.

They’ve already made some big moves into the market this summer, including the addition of Kieffer Moore, Callum O’Hare, Alfie Gilchrist and Harry Souttar.

And according to The SunThe Blades are now planning to sign Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in what would be a very ambitious move.

According to the report, Oxlade-Chamberlain, who left Liverpool for Besiktas last summer, was hoping to return to the Premier League this year after falling out of favour in Turkey.

However, with no offers having been received yet, it is believed the 35-cap England international is open to a move to the top-flight Championship.

With Sheffield United in contention for promotion, a move to Bramall Lane seems like a good option for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The midfielder made 30 appearances for Besiktas last year, scoring four goals, but the Turkish giants are reportedly willing to let Oxlade-Chamberlain leave this summer.

This comes after former Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst took over as manager, with the Dutchman attempting to reshape his squad.

Oxlade-Chamberlain first found fame as a youth player at Southampton, before moving to Arsenal at the age of 17.

He made 198 appearances for the Gunners until Liverpool signed the midfielder for £35million in 2017.

Oxlade-Chamberlain started well for the Reds, but his time at the club was eventually plagued by fitness issues, although the 30-year-old still won five trophies.

In total he played 146 games in six years before swapping Merseyside for Turkey.