Sheffield United are seeking back-to-back promotions under manager Chris Wilder.
It has been an impressive start to life back in the Championship for Sheffield United and it could get better yet, with manager Chris Wilder seeking improvements in the January transfer window.
But what should we expect of United this winter? HITC spoke to three knowledgeable Blades to find out…
Jack Bingham (@jbingham90)
What do you think Sheffield United‘s budget will be?
If there are no sales I think we can expect a budget of around the £3 million mark – though don’t expect Wilder to spend for the sake of it.
In what positions do Sheffield United need to strengthen?
I think we need a striker with pace and two central midfielders. The loss of [Paul] Coutts has hit the Blades hard and cover for [John] Fleck is essential, whilst pace up front would allow us to play on the counter against the division’s better teams.
Who would be your dream January signing for Sheffield United?
[Brentford’s] Ryan Woods would be brilliant, though I suspect he will have top-flight interest and be out of our price range. He would be an ideal replacement for Coutts.
Who would be a realistic January signing for Sheffield United?
We have often been linked with Sam Morsy – he has that quarter-back style with a good range of passing which would help counter the loss of Coutts.
Which players do you expect Sheffield United to sign in January?
I think we will be back in for Ryan Leonard of Southend. He’s out of contract in the summer and is in a similar mould to Fleck. It is also possible that we will return for Devante Cole of Fleetwood, who would offer pace up front. I suspect we will also look at the loan market, though Wilder has been known to pull signings completely out of left-field.
Tom Seymour (@tomseyms)
What do you think Sheffield United‘s budget will be?
Having had a decent cash windfall over the summer from the [Harry] Maguire and [Kyle] Walker deals, a couple of million should be available in January should [Chris] Wilder choose to spend it.
In what positions do Sheffield United need to strengthen?
Central midfield is a must after the season-ending injury to Paul Coutts. John Lundstram just doesn’t offer the same all-action attributes required in the 3-5-2 system.
Although not easy to come by, someone who could fill it at either wing-back would be ideal as injuries there have limited the Blades in recent times.
Who would be your dream January signing for Sheffield United?
Ryan Woods. The midfielder is the latest star plucked from the lower leagues by the impressive scouts at Brentford.
Who would be a realistic January signing for Sheffield United?
Ryan Leonard. Has been a target since the summer and although Southend are refusing to sell, he is out of contract next summer and they will surely have to crack if the price is right.
Which players do you expect Sheffield United to sign in January?
Ditto, the above.
Jonathan Bradley (@curlywisejon)
What do you think Sheffield United’s budget will be?
Realistically we should have some fund’s, but in the world on undisclosed fees it is really hard to pick a figure. However, I would be disappointed if Wilder wasn’t given at least a million to play with.
In what positions do Sheffield United need to strengthen?
We need some pace. Ideally a quick player at both ends of the pitch – and you can never have too many goal scorers.
Who would be your dream January signing for Sheffield United?
Either Ryan Woods from Brentford or Daniel Johnson from Preston to fill the huge void left by the injury to Paul Coutts.
Who would be a realistic January signing for Sheffield United?
I think we have a good chance of signing James Wilson from Manchester United and think he would be a good shout.
Which players do you expect Sheffield United to sign in January?
Ryan Leonard from Southend, potentially Devante Cole from Fleetwood and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe Riley return on loan [from Manchester United].
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