Sheffield United have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Matt Clarke to Bramall Lane this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by John Percy, with The Telegraph journalist revealing on Twitter that the Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back is set to join West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan deal.

It had been previously reported that the Blades were keeping a close eye on the situation of the defender ahead of a potential swoop in the summer transfer window, however, it now very much seems as if Slavisa Jokanovic's side have missed the boat regarding a deal for the 24-year-old.

Jokanovic will be fuming

With Jack O'Connell looking in real danger of missing next season after undergoing knee surgery, in addition to the future of Kean Bryan appearing incredibly uncertain at present, the fact that Sheffield United now also look set to miss out on a deal for Clarke is sure to have Jokanovic fuming.

Indeed, having highly impressed during a loan spell at Derby County last season, the Brighton defender would have made a fine addition to the 52-year-old's options in the centre of defence in the Blades' upcoming Championship campaign.

Over his 42 Championship fixtures for Wayne Rooney's side last term, the man Graham Potter dubbed a "quality" player helped his team keep 12 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 4.3 clearances and winning an incredible 8.1 duels per game.

These returns saw the £21k-per-week defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as the Rams' third-best player in the division, an impressive feat considering his side finished the season just one place above the relegation zone.

As such, with the Serbian manager thought to be hoping to reshape his defensive options this summer, Clarke appears to be a player who would have certainly improved the United backline.

However, with West Brom now looking in pole position for the 24-year-old's signature, Jokanovic will have to turn his focus in the transfer window elsewhere.

In other news: Jokanovic drops hint on "outstanding" 23 y/o dynamo, Sheff Utd fans surely buzzing