Bradford City have joined the fierce chase to sign Sheffield United defender Miguel Freckleton on a permanent deal this summer but face strong competition from rival EFL sides according to a report from Bristol Live.

The 20-year-old is out of contract this summer at Bramall Lane and is yet to sign a new deal amongst interest from several EFL sides following his title triumph with Chesterfield in the National League last season. 

How did he fair last season?

Freckleton joined the Spireites last summer on loan from Sheffield United but had a tricky campaign despite the club’s promotion to the National League due to injuries and the form of other players.

Throughout the season, Freckleton made 16 league appearances for Paul Cook’s side, providing an assist during their 3-2 victory against FC Halifax Town.

In terms of his in-depth statistics, the 20-year-old averaged a pass completion rate of 84% which as a defender is impressive. He also averaged 4.2 interceptions, 8.5 ball recoveries and 2.8 clearances per 90 minutes in the National League.

Who else is interested?

According to Bristol Live, Freckleton faces an uncertain future in Sheffield with a continuously growing list of clubs interested in signing him this summer.

Freckleton’s former loan side (Chesterfield) are keen to land him on a permanent deal, whilst Bradford City, Fleetwood Town, Bristol Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers have also been linked with him. Numerous Championship clubs are also reportedly monitoring his current situation ahead of a potential move this summer.

Would a move to Bradford benefit him?

Freckleton can play as a centre-back or left-back and would add further defensive depth for Graham Alexander’s side heading into the 2024/25 League Two season.

Stockport’s Neill Byrne has already completed a permanent move to Bradford this summer to improve their defensive options, but that is almost certainly not going to be the only defender the Bantams look to sign this summer.