Chris Wilder was something of a laughing stock at Leeds last season.
The Sheffield United boss was mocked by Patrick Bamford and Harry Gray after Daniel Farke beat the Blades to an automatic promotion slot last term.
Wilder also previously irked Leeds fans by calling Bamford a “muppet” during another promotion battle in 2019.
Despite all of that, the 58-year-old still welcomed the England international to Bramall Lane in November, and the Daily Record believe another former Leeds player is now likely to head the same way in Joe Rothwell.
Sheffield United expect to sign ex-Leeds United loanee Joe Rothwell
Scott Burns now writes that Sheffield United are confident of signing the 30-year-old from Rangers when the winter transfer window opens, after he fell out of favour under Danny Rohl at Ibrox.
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The likes of Joel Piroe and Willy Gnonto are struggling to force their way into Farke’s plans.
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Rothwell made 36 appearances for Leeds last season as he helped the Whites win the Championship title, but has made just two appearances under Rohl since the German replaced Russell Martin in October.
The Manchester-born midfielder has even been left out of the last three Scottish Premiership squads.
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Now, the Daily Record state that Sheffield United are confident of bringing Rothwell to Bramall Lane, and are in ‘pole position’ to land the Rangers No.6 this winter just months after he moved to Glasgow.
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With Jamie Shackleton already at Bramall Lane with Bamford, Wilder is on his way to creating a mini-Leeds if he keeps this recruitment pattern up.
Chris Sutton feared the worst for Joe Rothwell and has been proven right
Chris Sutton expressed sympathy for Rothwell back in September as life turned toxic under Martin at Rangers.
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Speaking on Monday Night Club, the 52-year-old said: “The crowd are on his back. Joe Rothwell, a really decent playing career at Leeds, Blackburn.
“He’s really been affected by expectation, moans and groans. It’s a difficult place to play. The environment is toxic.”
Rothwell was therefore presumably optimistic when Rohl replaced Martin, but the situation has become even worse since the 36-year-old was appointed.
Hopefully, if a move to Sheffield United does materialise as expected, the former Leeds man can get his career back on track quickly.
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