Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder makes transfer confession

United will enter Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur searching for their third straight win after following-up last weekend’s FA Cup success at Bristol Rovers by beating Newcastle on Tuesday evening.

Although United remain at the bottom of the table and nine points from safety, securing their first victories since of the season has led to a renewed sense of belief behind the scenes that Wilder’s men can eventually haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

Preparations for the visit of Spurs are taking place against a backdrop of activity in the transfer market, after United’s hierarchy made funding available for two loan signings. Despite acknowledging reinforcements are required, particularly with Jack O’Connell and Sander Berge recovering from serious injuries, Wilder has made “taking the opportunity” the win over Steve Bruce’s men has created his top priority.

“I’ve got to say, about transfers, I’ve not really thought about them,” Wilder said. “It’s all about working towards games. That’s what we’ll be doing going forward and what will be will be.”

Despite being linked with moves for centre-forwards Kyle Joseph and Kevin Nisbet, the left hand side of defence and midfield are the two areas Wilder has identified as most in need of strengthening, as O’Connell and Berge continue their rehabilitation programmes.

A number of what Wilder described as “recommendations”, including Jesse Lingard of Manchester United, were presented to Bramall Lane’s hierarchy before Christmas with responsibility for delivering them now passing to directors and members of United’s administrative affairs department.

Sampdoria and Gambia centre-half Omar Colley is also known to have been identified as a potential target, although Wilder recently conceded United’s predicament at the foot of the rankings could make them less attractive to players from overseas. However, he insisted it is unlikely to have the same effect upon those already based in England; not least because they would only be joining on a temporary basis.

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