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Sheffield United dealt another transfer blow as key target nears move after Fabrizio Romano update The Blades had hoped to strengthen Chris Wilder's defence with Nicolás Valentini, but the Argentine centre-back now appears destined for Spain after a permanent move to Alavés moved a significant step closer. Sheffield United are set to miss out on another transfer target this summer after he edged a step closer to an international move. The Blades had identified Nicolas Valentini as a centre-half option amid their search for a couple of reinforcements in that area. The 25-year-old Argentine became the subject of United interest after he returned to Fiorentina after last season’s loan spell at Hellas Verona. Sources have told The Star that United tried to keep their interest quiet to avoid alerting other clubs. But news broke over the weekend of their interest, with Spanish side Alaves also said to be interested. The suggestion is that Valentini’s agent had set up the move to England before, as United looked to progress it, going quiet. And the centre-half is now closing in on a permanent deal to Alaves, with journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting today that a deal has been agreed in principle for the Argentine. United are looking to sign two centre-halves before the transfer window shuts on September 1, with Mark McGuinness and Nils Zatterstrom both available for a move away from Bramall Lane this summer. Both could be involved in Sunday’s EFL Cup tie at Mansfield Town, though, with Japhet Tanganga and Jamal Baptiste the only two other central defenders on United’s books as things stand.