Published Jun 24, 2026, 7:05 PM GMT+1

Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years.

After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to clinch his first job in journalism at Snack Media, now Valnet.

Emilio has written for a host of the company's biggest past and current football news websites - Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. 

Emilio's strengths include the intricacies of football transfers, while he particularly enjoys writing about the business side of football. He has covered Tottenham Hotspur on a weekly basis for a number of years now, developing a deep understanding of the culture and what Lilywhites fans engage with.

In his spare time, you can find Emilio travelling the world, or even in a boxing ring.

The Blades have so far focused much of their attention on retaining key players and identifying experienced additions capable of helping the club push towards promotion.

Several positions have been under review following the conclusion of last season.

Reports throughout June have linked Sheffield United with reinforcements at full-back, in midfield and across the forward line.

Everton defender Nathan Patterson has been mentioned as a player of interest, while Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore has also been linked with a possible loan move to Bramall Lane.

Birmingham City's Marc Leonard was also attracting United interest after a stellar season on loan at Hearts, but he's now on the treatment table after rupturing his achilles.

At the same time, Wilder has been assessing options in central midfield.

That area of the squad has remained a priority following a number of departures and returning loan players over the summer, and one player who made a significant enough impact during the second half of last season was Kalvin Phillips.

The Man City midfielder arrived at Bramall Lane on loan in February after struggling for opportunities at the Etihad Stadium.

Phillips had managed only a handful of minutes for City before completing the temporary switch to South Yorkshire, and his arrival was viewed as one of the standout deals completed by United during the winter transfer window.

When his loan expired at the end of the season, Phillips returned to City.

However, reports have consistently suggested United remained interested in bringing him back, and despite a mixed spell in Yorkshire, reports claim Phillips impressed with his off-field professionalism and mentoring of young players behind the scenes.

Kalvin Phillips keen to re-join Sheffield United with Man City talks advanced

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding the midfielder's future.

According to reporter Pete O'Rourke, Sheffield United are making strong progress in their efforts to secure another deal for Phillips.

He states that negotiations have reached an advanced stage, but rather than pursuing a permanent transfer, United are understood to be working on another loan.

The club are believed to be increasingly confident that a deal can be completed, and a major factor appears to be the player's stance.

Phillips is reportedly happy with the prospect of returning to Bramall Lane, and that willingness has helped discussions move forward.

The midfielder is understood to have enjoyed his previous spell with the club, with Wilder remaining a strong admirer of the former Leeds star.

City are continuing to reshape their squad ahead of the new season, and Phillips, who was a member of their 2023 treble-winning side, does not appear to be part of their long-term plans.