Al-Ahli striker Roberto Firmino has reportedly decided against a move to Premier League club Sheffield United in the January transfer window.
Firmino moved to the riches of the Saudi Pro League back in the summer following the expiration of his contract at Liverpool, where he enjoyed a successful eight-year period.
Since bagging a hat-trick on the opening day of the season against Al Hazem, Firmino has failed to make the net ripple in his next 16 league appearances in the Middle East.
Sections of the Al-Ahli fanbase are unhappy with the 55-time Brazil international's performances, with their team 13 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal.
According to Football Insider, Firmino is aware of interest in him from the Premier League, however the attacker is said to be unlikely to return to England.
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The report claims that Chris Wilder's Sheffield United have been monitoring the 32-year-old's situation over the past few months, as the Blades look to pull of an ambitious move.
However, it is understood that Firmino does not want a switch to Bramall Lane in the New Year, where he would be thrown into the midst of a relegation battle.
A poor run at the start of the season cost Paul Heckingbottom his position as head coach at the Yorkshire club, and despite Wilder coming in, the Blades are still bottom of the Premier League, seven points from safety.
It is believed that Firmino is available for a loan switch away from Al-Ahli in the January transfer window, with the Brazilian hoping for a move.
Al Ettifaq - managed by the Brazilian's former teammate Steven Gerrard - have been linked with a move for the striker, however it remains to be seen whether that materialises this month.
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As well as Wilder's Blades, some other unnamed Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on Firmino ahead a potential swoop for the player in the winter window.
After joining from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in the summer of 2015, Firmino went on to score 111 goals in 362 appearances for Liverpool, helping the Reds to Premier League and Champions League glory under Jurgen Klopp.
The 32-year-old also formed a stellar working relationship with fellow attackers Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah at Anfield - a trio which is regarded as one of the greatest in English top-flight history.
Wilder and Sheffield United will forget about the struggles of the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, when the Blades travel to League Two Gillingham in the third round of the FA Cup.
Carter White
