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Sheffield United's Championship rivals 'agree' latest statement transfer as Swansea City dealt 'blow' All the very latest Championship transfer rumours ahead of the start of the 2026/27 campaign. Sheffield United will be targeting a winning start to the 2026/27 campaign when they face Mansfield Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup at the One Call Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Blades, who were knocked out of the FA Cup by the Stags last season, enjoyed an encouraging pre-season campaign, winning four and drawing two of their six friendlies. However, off the pitch, a lack of activity in the transfer market has done little to lift the mood among supporters, who are desperate to see Chris Wilder's squad strengthened with additions in key areas. United have made just two new signings so far this summer, bringing in Romelle Donovan on loan from Brentford and former Wolverhampton Wanderers right-back Matt Doherty on a free transfer. Jaïro Riedewald has also returned to the club after initially being released at the end of last season. With just over a week to go until the start of the new Championship campaign, clubs across the division are actively looking to strengthen their squads. With that in mind, here are some of the latest transfer rumours involving the Blades' second-tier rivals... Boro make Phillips ‘breakthrough’ Middlesbrough have ‘agreed a deal’ with Tottenham Hotspur to sign centre-back Ashley Phillips, according to a report by The Northern Echo. The Riverside outfit have been among the Championship’s biggest spenders this summer, strengthening several areas of their squad. After recently signing Will Lankshear, Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten, while also closing in on the arrival of Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vítek, Middlesbrough are now edging closer to completing the signing of Phillips. It has been reported that Middlesbrough will pay an ‘initial fee of £7million’ for the 21-year-old centre-back, who has spent each of the past two seasons on loan at Stoke City. The deal is also expected to include a number of potential add-ons and a sell-on clause. Phillips is expected to fill the void left by former Middlesbrough captain Dael Fry, who joined Birmingham City earlier this summer after failing to agree a new contract at the Riverside. Swansea suffer Almeida ‘blow’ According to a report by Sky Sports, Swansea City ‘appear to have missed out’ on signing Valencia attacking midfielder André Almeida. Earlier this week, it emerged that the 26-year-old was set to complete a move to the Swansea.com Stadium after the two clubs had agreed a deal. However, it has since been claimed that Almeida is “not keen” on the prospect of playing in the Championship. Reports suggested that Swansea had agreed a deal worth £5.2m for his signature. Swansea, who strengthened their attacking options on Thursday with the signing of former Southampton striker Ross Stewart, are expected to explore alternative targets as they look to bolster their midfield options. Almeida, who has been with Valencia since 2022, made 24 appearances for the Spanish club last season.