Chris Wilder makes a January transfer window prediction as Sheffield United search for reinforcements

The Blades boss is focusing on the loan market as he seeks a replacement for the injured Jack O'Connell, and is also thought to be targeting a midfielder to inject some creativity into his side as they look to pull off a great escape and avoid relegation this season.

Manchester United's Jesse Lingard has been one name linked with United, while United are understood to be also looking abroad for a new left-sided central defender.

"From my point of view as a recruitment department, we've passed them on and now it's at a level above me," Wilder admitted.

"We need in my opinion to make the group better and it's gone over to the chief executive and the board for them to make the decision or pursue the targets we're looking at."

Asked if United's standing in the table would potentially affect players' willingness to join the Blades, Wilder added: "From a foreign point of view most certainly, from a domestic view not necessarily.

"If we bring a player in on loan he'll understand the team maybe a little bit more and look at the stats.

"The one stat that isn't pleasing on the eye is the points total, but those players will have nothing to lose.

"If he comes in as a loan he doesn't tie himself to us long term and has everything to gain in terms of affecting the team performance.

"I should imagine the player's ambition would be to play as many games as possible, so I believe it'll be an attractive one domestically. Maybe not in the foreign market."

Marcus Rojo, Lingard's teammate at Old Trafford, has also been mooted as a possible loan target. Omar Colley, the 28-year-old defender who plays for Sampdoria, has also been linked with a move to Bramall Lane while Wilder could resurrect his interest in Preston's Ben Davies if North End decide to sell the centre-half, whose contract at Deepdale expires this summer.

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor