Aston Villa and West Ham are keeping tabs on Sheffield United starlet Ollie Arblaster… with the 19-year-old academy graduate impressing in Chris Wilder’s struggling side

Aston Villa and West Ham United are monitoring promising young midfielder Ollie Arblaster at Sheffield United.

The 19-year old started the season out on loan with Port Vale and his outstanding performances there prompted manager Chris Wilder to bring him back to Bramall Lane for their relegation battle where he is beginning to make an impact.

Arblaster, a boyhood Sheffield United fan, was given his chance by Wilder as a substitute in the 6-0 drubbing by Arsenal and impressed enough to start in their 2-2 draw away at Bournemouth before starting again in last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Fulham. 

He was already on the radar of Premier League clubs following his time at Port Vale but recent displays have made others take more notice.

Aston Villa and West Ham are keeping tabs on Sheffield United midfielder Ollie Arblaster

The 19-year-old was recalled from a loan at Port Vale with Chris Wilder viewing him as part of his first-team plans at Bramall Lane

Arblaster netted his first goal for England U-20s in their win over the Czech Republic last week

Prior to his spell at Vale Park Arblaster’s only other senior football experience came from a brief loan spell with non-league side Bradford Park Avenue in 2021.

Wilder would no doubt like to keep Arblaster should the Blades drop into the Championship, safe in the knowledge he could rely on the academy graduate to help them make an immediate return to the top flight. 

However, the potential Arblaster is showing could prompt offers that may be difficult to refuse before the summer is out.

Villa and West Ham are keen to add more young, homegrown talent and Arblaster’s Premier League experience is an important added bonus.