Neal Maupay set to become Sheffield United’s record signing after Brentford slash transfer fee to £15m

NEAL Maupay is set to become Sheffield United’s £15million record buy after Brentford slashed the asking price for their French striker.

The Bees originally wanted £22million for Maupay, but have now lowered their valuation because of the hit-man’s attraction to the prospect of performing in the Premier League.

And the Blades can offer him the chance to compete at the highest level after winning promotion back to the top flight following 12 years in lower league exile.

Maupay, 22, notched 28 goals in 49 outings for Brentford last season, and is one of United boss Chris Wilder’s top summer transfer targets.

Another was midfielder Luke Freeman, who became Bramall Lane’s most expensive signing when he arrived from QPR in a £6million deal last week.

Aston Villa, managed by Maupay’s former Griffin Park chief Dean Smith, are also tracking the former Nice and Saint-Etienne goal grabber.

But Maupay is keen on exploring a move to South Yorkshire, and the Bees are resigned to losing him.

Meanwhile Wilder, who wrapped up former skipper Phil Jagielka’s return to the Blades on a free from Everton three days ago, is in advanced talks to bring Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson back to Bramall Lane for a second season on loan.

The young stopper remained at home while his United team-mates jetted to Australia for their pre-season tour.

David de Gea was joined by senior back-ups Lee Grant and Sergio Romero on the trip down under, along with 23-year-old shot-stopper Joel Pereira.