Sheffield United lead list of suitors for teen sensation Sam Curtis

Sheffield United – with new assistant manager Keith Andrews centrally involved – are believed to be confident of recruiting the free agent in the upcoming January transfer window.

WANTED MAN: Sam Curtis of Republic of Ireland in action against Riccardo Calafiori of Italy during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Italy at Turners Cross in Cork. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Sheffield United have jumped to the top of the queue in the pursuit of Ireland U21 defender Sam Curtis.

The right-back played his 60th senior and final game for St Patrick’s Athletic in their FAI Cup final victory over Bohemians, shortly after which UK clubs could join the race when he turned 18 on December 1.