Sheffield United is interested in signing Middlesbrough striker, Chuba Akpom but they face still competition from French side Lens.

The Blades’ boss, Paul Heckingbottom, is urging the club to make an offer for Akpom, who finished as Championship top scorer last season.

The striker is said to be on his way to RC Lens, but Sheffield boss believes they can convince the striker with Premier League football.

Sheffield have a backup plan to pursue Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer if the Arsenal academy product deal falls through.

Villa is open to a potential deal involving Archer, and the Blades are also exploring midfield reinforcements.

Chuba Akpom has twelve months left on his contract and Middlesbrough are open to selling, to avoid losing him for free.