Sheffield United are keen on signing Crystal Palace’s Chadi Riad in the winter market.
Earlier this week, Africa Foot reported Chris Wilder’s side are close to bringing him to Bramall Lane. This was possible after the Blades after making significant progress in their negotiations, likely with Crystal Palace.
A fresh report from Africa Foot now claim RCD Mallorca are challenging Sheffield United over a move for Riad.
The Morocco international suffered a serious injury in January 2025 and only regained full fitness earlier this month. Last weekend, he came off the bench in Crystal Palace’s 3-1 league defeat to Chelsea.
Riad has an opportunity to leave Crystal Palace within the next 72 hours. Sheffield United believe he can enjoy regular minutes with them in the Championship, which can help him regain his form in a ‘demanding league’.
Mallorca have stepped in to bring the former Real Betis man back to Spain. The Crystal Palace centre-back is their priority target, late in this window.
The La Liga side have already taken action by travelling to London to hold direct talks with Oliver Glasner’s side. The approach was to find out about the 22-year-old’s fitness and the feasibility of the operation.
Sheffield United have uphill task
Diario de Mallorca, a newspaper local to the Spanish club, are backing up Africa Foot’s claim.
Earlier this week, Mallorca sporting director Pablo Ortells and his assistant, Aritz Aduriz, travelled to London to sign the Moroccan.
The La Liga side intend to sign the defender, who can also operate as a left-back. This would give Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate more options in the defence.
The newspaper makes no mention of Sheffield United or any other club wanting to sign Riad. The meeting in London is to get ahead of other interested parties to sign Riad. There could be more developments in the next few hours.