SUFC News: United's rivals 'pursuing' Leeds star as Blues 'eye' ex-Real Madrid man
The Star · George Smith · 2026-08-16T16:04:28+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Sheffield United's Championship rivals 'pursuing' Leeds star as Birmingham 'eye' ex-Real Madrid man
All the very latest Championship transfer rumours with just over a fortnight of the window remaining.
Sheffield United started their 2026/27 Championship campaign with a point after drawing 0-0 with Birmingham City at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening.
In a game of few clear-cut chances, both sides cancelled each other out, meaning a point apiece was a fair outcome on the opening weekend of the season. Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper was required to make just two saves, while Birmingham shot-stopper James Beadle was tested only once.
A lack of creativity was a flaw in United’s performance, making that an obvious weakness they need to try to fix before the end of the transfer window. Manager Chris Wilder knows the Blades need to try to replace Gustavo Hamer and strengthen their centre-back options before the September 1 deadline.
With just over two weeks of the summer transfer window remaining, Championship clubs are continuing to work hard to strengthen their squads. With that in mind, here are some of the latest rumours concerning United’s second-tier rivals...
Hammers ‘interested’ in Piroe
West Ham United are ‘pursuing a deal’ for Leeds United striker Joël Piroe, according to a report by Sky Sports. The Dutchman is out of favour at Elland Road and faces an uncertain future ahead of the transfer window closing.
The Hammers, who are known to be on the hunt for a striker in the remaining weeks of the window, have reportedly ‘been in touch’ with Leeds throughout the summer about a potential move for Piroe, who made just two Premier League starts last season.
Despite struggling for opportunities at Elland Road last season, Piroe, 27, has flourished in the Championship in recent seasons, scoring 74 goals at this level for Leeds and Swansea City combined.
It has been reported that West Ham have ‘expressed an interest in a loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer’. However, Leeds would prefer to offload him on a permanent basis this summer.
A report from The Athletic on Saturday revealed that Piroe ‘wants to leave’ Elland Road before the end of the window, but his representatives believe Leeds are demanding too high a price for his signature. It is claimed the Whites have set an asking price of £16million.
Birmingham ‘interested’ in former Real Madrid man
According to a report by Spanish publication Marca, Birmingham have ‘expressed an interest’ in signing Sporting Gijón attacking midfielder César Gelabert. The Blues are keen to strengthen their attacking options before the end of the transfer window, with the No.10 position reportedly identified as a priority.
Prior to sealing a permanent switch to Hull City on Saturday, Birmingham had been in the running to sign versatile Leeds attacker Joe Gelhardt. However, confirmation of his move to the MKM Stadium means they are now having to look elsewhere.
Gelabert, who was on Real Madrid’s books as a youngster, enjoyed an eye-catching 2025/26 campaign in Spain’s Segunda División, scoring eight goals and registering four assists in 41 appearances.
The 25-year-old, who joined Sporting Gijón on a permanent basis last year, can play through the middle or out wide. MLS duo Columbus Crew and Minnesota United have also been credited with an interest in his signature.