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Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist is expected to join Sheffield United on a season-long loan.

The 20-year-old has been given permission to travel to South Yorkshire to complete a move to Bramall Lane.

Manager Chris Wilder was key to the decision amid competition from other Championship clubs.

Gilchrist was not included in Chelsea's squad for the pre-season tour of the United States, instead training in a 'loan group' under Carlo Cudicini and Ed Brand.

The centre-back, who can also play at right back, played 17 times last season in a breakthrough season under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.