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According to German news outlet Kicker (June 13, 8:00am), Sheffield United want to complete an astounding swoop for former Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.

The Frenchman is coming towards the end of a storied career and his next destination could very well be Bramall Lane if the Blades get their way.

What’s the story?

Ribery’s 12-year stay at Bayern Munich has come to an end after he left the Bundesliga champions when his contract expired.

The 36-year-old is now available on a free transfer, and Sheffield United are apparently looking to add him to their squad.

The wide-man has an abundance of quality as he has long been considered one of the best players in Europe, but as he gets closer to retirement he may be ready to drop down to a smaller club, and the Blades are hoping that he opts to come to Yorkshire.

Not a Wilder player

This signing would go against everything Chris Wilder wants from his team.

The 51-year-old manager has continuously placed great importance on team spirit and not having any prima donnas in his side, but in signing Ribery he would be getting one of the most disruptive players football has seen in the past decade.

This is a player who reportedly bullied Mathieu Valbuena during his time at Marseille, publicly mocked the manager of the French national team and was once branded as a diva by Germany legend Oliver Kahn.

Indeed, Ribery has earnt the right to be a little bit arrogant and cocky due to the legacy he has left on the pitch, but if he were to join a newly-promoted Sheffield United side that are so reliant on the bond between the players in the squad, then he could be more of a hindrance than a help.

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Wilder has always signed players who he believes will fit into the team and be a part of the group, and the signing of Ribery could offset all of that and partly undo the hard work he has done.