Chris Wilder responds to latest Sheffield United transfer link amid Ipswich Town hope, “miles off” admission
Chris Wilder responds to latest Sheffield United transfer link amid Ipswich Town hope, “miles off” admission
Chris Wilder refused to be drawn on speculation linking Sheffield United with a move for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka this week, as the Blades’ search for urgent midfield reinforcements was laid bare once again. The Blades are keen to strengthen that area before the February 2 deadline.
The need has only become more pressing in recent days, with midfielder Jairo Riedewald set to miss at least United’s next two games with a hamstring issue and Djibril Soumare ruled out for the next three after being sent off at Charlton on Saturday.
With Oliver Arblaster, Sydie Peck and Tom Davies still working towards full fitness after injury, it leaves United short of obvious options in the middle of the park while Alex Matos, widely expected to leave the Lane in this current window, may be offered a reprieve because of the situation.
United have so far only been able to add Wolves right-back Ki-Jana Hoever to their squad on loan since the transfer window opened and speaking ahead of this week’s upcoming clashes with Southampton (Wednesday) and Ipswich Town (Saturday), Wilder admitted: “It's going to be a struggle for Wednesday now, but we're working our way towards the weekend.”
Chris Wilder responds to latest Sheffield United transfer link amid Ipswich Town hope, “miles off” admission
Asked specifically about speculation linking him with Onyeka, who has been away with Nigeria on African Cup of Nations duty and has featured only briefly for Brentford this season, Wilder stuck to his policy of not addressing individual names.
“Keep trying,” the Blades boss grinned. “We're after somebody in the middle of the park, so there's a list of players that are there, and some are on the spot and some are miles off.
“And as I said last week, we work incredibly hard to try and get them over the line. We're still working incredibly hard to improve.”
Sunderland’s Dan Neil is another player of interest for the Blades while Onyeka has become available due to his lack of game-time in the capital. Bees boss Keith Andrews, who worked under Wilder at United before leaving for the capital, said recently: "I know Frank is keen to play football more regularly than he has and I completely understand that.”