Sheffield United remain confident of signing Reading midfielder John Swift.

The Sheffield Star says although newly promoted Leeds and Aston Villa are also being linked with Swift, United believe the fact their interest can be traced back to the end of the January transfer window has made an impression on the former Chelsea youngster, as he plots the next stage of his career.

After seeing their opening bid rejected by the Championship club's board of directors, United's negotiation team are understood to have returned with an improved second offer earlier this month.

Despite reportedly being resigned to losing Swift, officials at the Madejski Stadium are determined to secure the highest price possible and receive most of the fee he eventually commands up front rather than on a staged basis.