Brighton and Hove Albion have tabled an official bid for Sheffield United defender Jack O’Connell this summer. According to recent reports, the Seagulls are hoping to secure the services of the Blades centre-back during this summer transfer period and have put in an offer in the region of £6m in order to get their man. It is believed that Brighton boss Chris Hughton is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season and has identified the Championship defender as an ideal option to bolster his backline.
Some sources have recently claimed that the Seagulls have launched a £6m bid for the talented English defensive ace as they look to avoid the drop next year. The Blades prospect had put in some solid displays at the back under Chris Wilder’s leadership which has not gone unnoticed by the Falmer-based outfit. O’Connell was instrumental in helping Sheffield gain promotion from League One and has performed at a high level for them over the past few years.
Hence, Brighton have wasted no time in making an offer for the Liverpool-born talent with the transfer deadline day fast approaching. O’Connell has represented the English national team at both the Under-18 and Under-19 youth levels and also has a wealth of experience in English football. He has made 98 appearances for the Blades since his move from Brentford in the summer of 2016 and has 6 goals and 6 assists to his name in all competitions.
The 24-year-old is exactly the kind of talent who can thrive under the expert stewardship of Hughton if given the opportunity to prove his worth at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls had a solid campaign last term when they managed to grind out a 15th placed finish and avoid the drop. However, Hughton needs to bring in some quality talents in the coming weeks if his side are to ensure their top-flight status once again in the upcoming campaign.
The acquisition of O’Connell will definitely bolster Hughton’s defensive options ahead of the new season. The East Sussex outfit has some talented full-backs such as Bruno, Ezequiel Schelotto, Markus Suttner and Gaëtan Bong competing for a place in their starting XI. The potential addition of O’Connell will undoubtedly improve their team significantly and add more competition for places within Hughton’s squad.
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At 24, the Liverpool-born youngster still has his best years ahead of him which the Seagulls could look to benefit from, in the next few seasons. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of O’Connell and whether he ends up making a switch to the Amex Stadium before the start of the new season.
