Sheffield United are back in the Championship following a six-year absence from England’s second tier, and boss Chris Wilder should look to these three out-of-contract players in the summer to help keep them there.
Chris Wilder has guided Sheffield United to promotion his first season in charge
Wilder has emphatically guided the Blades to the League One title and he will be keen to keep the momentum going as he prepares to test his management credentials in the Championship.
If his side are serious about making a mark in the league then his squad will need strengthening in a number of areas if they are to avoid a relegation battle. With their budget significantly smaller than their Championship rivals, Wilder will be looking to utilise the free transfer market.
We take a three players that are out-of-contract and look set to leave their clubs in the summer that would be a great fit at Bramall Lane next season.
Luke Chambers
Chambers looks set to leave Ipswich Town in the summer despite being the club’s captain and the right back playing in every game this season.
Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy is planning a squad overhaul after a disappointing campaign and the 31-year-old is said to be one of the victims of McCarthy’s axe. There will be no shortage of suitors looking to snap Chambers up on a free transfer, he has close to 400 Championship appearances to his name.
The former Nottingham Forest defender still has a lot to give at Championship level and if United are able to secure his signature then it would be classed as a major coup for the club. Chambers will add vital experience to the Blades’ relatively inexperienced back line and is also tried and tested at centre back.
Ipswich Town’s Luke Chambers celebrates
Michael Kightly
Kightly has made quite the impression down at the Pirelli Stadium. He has played a pivotal role in helping the Brewers secure their Championship status in what was their first full season in England’s second tier.
The 31-year-old left winger was snapped up by Burton boss Nigel Clough in a loan deal from Premier League side Burnley in January. He has scored a number of crucial goals and his experience has been invaluable for Burton. Clough will be looking to secure his signature for next season as a move away from Burnley is all but guaranteed.
Wilder should consider a swoop for the former Wolves and Stoke City man as Burton Albion are one of the handful of clubs in the Championship where they can compete with their wage budget.
Huddersfield Town’s Rajiv van La Parra and Burton Albion’s Michael Kightly
Darren Bent
Bent looks set for the exit door at Pride Park as Gary Rowett gets to work on reassembling a flailing Derby County side. Despite scoring 13 goals for the Rams this campaign, the former England international will be a free agent in the summer.
Now aged 33, Bent is coming towards the end of career and is less likely to command a high wage fee. Despite his age, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland striker has proved that he is still capable of scoring goals at Championship level and they have come whilst playing in a lone striker role.
A move to Wilder’s side could prove to be an inspired piece of business and he has the potential to form a fruitful partnership with Billy Sharp. If the Blades stand any chance of avoiding immediate relegation back to League One then goals will be required and Bent would be able to provide these in abundance if utilised correctly.
Darren Bent celebrates
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