Derby County are reportedly monitoring the situation regarding Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster, ahead of a potential move to the football club, as confirmed by journalist Alan Nixon.
The 19-year-old has just returned to the football club after featuring for League One rivals Port Vale during the first half of the season but is currently sidelined due to injury.
Arblaster had made 26 appearances in all competitions for Port Vale during the first-half of the season, scoring twice and assisting an additional two for the League One side. However, the Premier League side opted to recall the talented midfielder from his loan spell, six months ahead of time.
The midfielder is a product of the Sheffield United youth setup, rising through the academy as well as experiencing a couple of loan exits. His first came with Non-League side Bradford Park Avenue during the 2021/22 season, before moving to League One Port Vale in the summer transfer window.
Port Vale currently sit 14th in League One following their 3-3 draw against Charlton Athletic at the weekend. The result leaves them seven points above the relegation zone as clubs continue to enter the second half of the season.
Meanwhile, Derby County are fourth in League One following their victory against Fleetwood Town. The Rams are two points behind Bolton Wanderers in second although they have played a game more than Ian Evatt’s side.
According to Alan Nixon, Derby County are monitoring the midfielder’s injury progress, as he’s currently sidelined with a minor knock. Arblaster is expected to return towards the end of January, opening the door for a potential loan exit in the final few days of the transfer window.
Writer’s View
The midfielder has been one of League One’s most underappreciated players so far this season and he would be a terrific addition to Paul Warne’s side if they can pull a deal off.
However, if he cannot recover in time, I firmly believe he has an outside chance of being involved for Sheffield United this season to be a regular next season if the club cannot avoid relegation.