Chris Wilder sets out Sheffield United transfer timescale after top-flight trio links, departure talks, “left-field” target hint
Sheffield United transfer timescale laid out after top-flight trio links, departure talks, “left-field” target hint
Chris Wilder is hopeful that he can further add to his Sheffield United squad ahead of next week’s trip to Southampton, despite declining to be drawn on speculation linking the Blades with a trio of top-flight midfielders. United’s window work so far has seen them sign Ki-Jana Hoever from Wolves on loan.
A number of other positions in their squad need bolstering ahead of February 2’s deadline, with Wilder keen to add reinforcements in midfield and on the wing after a host of injuries and Louie Barry’s return to Aston Villa.
United have long been admirers of midfielder Joe Rothwell, now of Rangers, while their interest in Sunderland’s Dan Neil was made public this week before reports emerged that Aston Villa’s former England international Ross Barkley is also on their transfer list.
The United manager was keeping his cards close to his chest when he met the media this morning ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Charlton Athletic, on players who might go out as much as players potentially coming in.
Midfielder Alex Matos is one who could depart soon, with Swedish side AIK in talks over a loan deal for the former Chelsea man, while Ryan One is expected to leave before the deadline on loan. Rotherham United are just one club keen on signing the Scottish youth international.
“There have been a couple of enquiries regarding players, as there is from us, regarding players that potentially we want to bring in,” Wilder admitted. “So I think that's going to be the case up and down the country.
Sheffield United transfer timescale laid out after top-flight trio links, departure talks, “left-field” target hint
“I just imagine every manager or head coach who does a press conference leading up to this game will be saying exactly the same things. I'm trying to improve the squad and I'm trying to reduce it as well. It's a busy time for everybody.
“We're fielding calls, to make us better and to trim. I'm sure you totally understand that, whatever name you chuck at me, I'm not going to commit to. There are some that make me smile. Even the outs, I'm not going to commit to.
“We've got some good players that I should imagine are attracting interest. And we'd like to bring a couple of players into the group, as I've said all along and been consistent with, to improve us for the second part of the season.
“I can't commit to names, you know that. I can't commit to speculation. We could sit here for the next 10, 15 minutes and just go through and do the dance, but that's how it is. Until they've got a Sheff United shirt on and a scarf around the neck. Honestly, we've lost so many players. And we do, through situations where people catch on to stuff.
“And we have to work so hard right the way through it. There are some obvious ones I get. When a midfield player comes up and a midfield player's allowed to leave and a midfield player's not playing, then there's going to be a connection.
“We're a good club to come to and we're after some good players. And then vice versa, off the back of that, we need to trim the squad down.”
Asked if the ball was rolling on any deals either way, Wilder admitted: “Yeah, it's nudging along the way. These players will have options and vice versa for our players as well. They'll have options. And players want to see what's out there.
“So we understand that. Listen, some of those players that we're after, other clubs want them and understandably so. But there are some others as well that are left field, who we've worked really hard on.
“So it's moving. Obviously, we're not going to get anybody in for tomorrow. But Wednesday's another day. And next Saturday's another day as well. All of a sudden, things can just go ‘bang.’ Listen, something could happen in the next half an hour.
“I'd love it to be in place for the Southampton game, of course. Because it's going to make us stronger. And, obviously, the Ipswich game. But we’re working away, and confident and enthusiastic and excited about what we can do to improve the squad.”