Stoke City interested in Sheffield United defender George Baldock?

Sheffield United full-back George Baldock has emerged as a transfer target for Championship side Stoke City, according to a report.

The 26-year-old defender played 25 times for The Blades last season to help them to promotion into the Premier League.

A report in The Sun suggests that Stoke boss Nathan Jones has turned his attentions to Baldock having missed out on signing Jack Stacey, who earlier this week joined Bournemouth, from his former club Luton Town.

Earlier in the summer, Baldock had been strongly linked with a move to Scottish giants Celtic.

The Sheffield Star reports that a move away for the defender is unlikely to be approved by Blades boss Chris Wilder.

Last week United strengthened their options at the back by re-signing veteran centre-back Phil Jagielka.