As many as 16 players could leave Bramall Lane this summer, as things stand, when their contracts expire and although three of those are loanees, 13 permanent Blades are approaching the final months of their present deals.
Some of the 13 have options in their contracts which will allow United to extend them by a further season – but some saw such clauses exercised last season and would need to negotiate fresh terms if they were to stay at Bramall Lane.
Boss Paul Heckingbottom this week suggested United need to keep all their current squad members ahead of the Premier League season, and use the budget at his disposal on four or five additions for the top-flight. So we had a look, in squad number order, at the players United are in danger of losing – with some real fan favourites nearing the expiry of their Bramall Lane deals ...
13. Ciaran Clark (33)
Probably didn't play as much as he'd have expected after signing on loan but his experience of promotion will have proved vital in helping United get over the line and when he did appear on the teamsheet he certainly did a job. Will return to Newcastle this summer but is expected to be released and could be a potential free-transfer punt for the Blades as they prepare for life in the top flight Photo: Andrew Yates
14. James McAtee (20)
Another City starlet to have caught the eye for the Blades, especially after overcoming a tough start to his first senior loan spell. City will no doubt be keen to see how well he copes with life in the Premier League but will want McAtee to learn on someone else's watch, to their ultimate benefit. United will face competition but will surely be near the front of the queue if they do try to sign their young player of the year again for next season Photo: David Davies
15. Kyron Gordon (20)
The young defender has also filled in when necessary this season but hasn’t been able to nail down a consistent first-team place and spent the first half of the season out on loan at Boreham Wood. A previous reported transfer target of Leeds United and Manchester United Photo: Andrew Yates
16. Jordan Amissah (21)
Reports vary over the German-born goalkeeper’s contract but it is claimed that United have the option to extend it in their favour. The highly-rated youngster made his senior debut away at Luton when Foderingham came off ill earlier this season, before moving to Burton Albion on loan for another taste of senior football Photo: Simon Bellis