Sheffield United have joined the race to sign Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean, according to reports on Sunday morning. 

The Scottish international has been heavily touted with a return to boyhood club Rangers this summer and now Alan Nixon is reporting that newly relegated Sheffield United are also targeting the midfielder. 

Blades supposedly want McLean as part of a double midfield deal that would also include Swansea's Matt Grimes, but any deal would be dependent on their ownership issues being resolved first. 

Nixon adds that Norwich would need to be tempted by a 'chunky' fee due to McLean's importance to their cause. The 32-year-old was named the Canaries player of the season last term in their run to the Championship play-offs. 

An American group heading the chase for control of the Yorkshire club have identified a number of key targets, including McLean, to allow them to hit the ground running once the EFL ratifies a deal. 

The report adds that former scout Des Taylor is aiding United's work in identifying a host of players that would bolster Chris Wilder's ranks as they target an immediate Premier League return. 

Sheffield United are in need of midfield reinforcements having released Ben Osborn and long-serving midfielder Oli Norwood. Highly rated Vini Souza has been heavily linked with a move away from Bramall Lane this summer. 

Kenny McLean was an integral part of Norwich City's squad last season.Kenny McLean was an integral part of Norwich City's squad last season. (Image: Focus Images)

McLean is set to return to pre-season training at Colney on Monday after an extended break due to his involvement at the Euros and has two years remaining on the contract he signed last summer to fend off interest from Daniel Farke's Leeds United. Norwich also have an option to extend that by an additional year. 

Sheffield United added Sam McCallum to their ranks earlier this week following his release from Carrow Road. They are also thought to be closing in on a loan-to-buy deal for ex-Ipswich striker Kieffer Moore from Bournemouth.

Norwich meet Sheffield United a few weeks into the new season with Wilder bringing his side to Carrow Road at the end of August.