Wigan Athletic's Chris McCann (left) and Burton Albion's Mark Duffy battle for the ball.
Duffy, 30 along with defender Chris Mussey (from Bury) has emerged as Chris Wilder's first signings as new manager of Sheffield United. But it appears that the former Northampton boss faced stiff competition of his new acquisition.
The South London Press have learned that Charlton Athletic offered better terms financially to Duffy, but he instead opted to a move to Bramall Lane as a free agent having being released by Birmingham City.
Charlton also wanted Wilder as their new boss to help guide them back into the Championship at the first time of asking but again lost out to Sheffield United. Instead they have today appointed former Blades Caretaker and Assistant-Manger Russell Slade who isn’t new to this Division having previously managed in League One with Leyton Orient.