Blades close on Westlake

Darryl Westlake: Set to become the Blades' first permanent signing this summer

Sky Sports understands Sheffield United are poised to make Darryl Westlake their first permanent capture of the summer from Walsall on a three-year deal.

The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with the Blades and is set to join the South Yorkshire club after his Saddlers contract expired.

Due to Westlake's age, United will have to pay League One rivals Walsall a compensation fee for his signature.

United manager Danny Wilson will view the highly-rated right-back as the ideal replacement for Matt Lowton, who departed Bramall Lane for Aston Villa earlier this month.

Westlake has spent three years with Walsall after beginning his senior career with the club, notching up over 70 first-team appearances.

Should he complete a move to United he would join new arrival John Cofie at the club after the youngster signed on a season-long loan from Manchester United last week.