Chris Wilder makes a revealing admission about Sheffield United's January spending plans as he targets Premier League defender and Championship hot-shot striker

Wilder's Blades make the long trip to Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend seventh in the top-flight table, just four points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Wilder has targeted "two or three" additions to his squad in January in an attempt to build on that start, while admitting that some players could also leave in pursuit of first-team football.

And the United boss said: "The foreign market is one that we could look at. I'm not sure we'd have the finances to look at the Premier League, and we'll also look at the Championship again for players that can help us.

"There's always the possibility of a loan with an option to buy in the summer. Talks are ongoing between myself and the board. We need to invest and lift the group, and hopefully we can make that happen."

United spent around £40m in the summer; unprecedented in terms of the club's recent history, but still relatively small change in a division awash with cash.

The Blades have been linked with Ollie Watkins of Brentford, while Everton's Mason Holgate has also emerged as a target with Wilder keen on competition for Chris Basham in the right centre-half position.

"We'd all like to sign someone early in January but it's not always that easy," Wilder added.

"We're possibly looking at two or three coming into the group and a couple going out.

"We need to be strong and have cover, as well as serious competition. The players have done well so far, and so any players who do come in will have a fight on to get in the team.

"We're actively looking and would love to push the button early on, but that's not always possible."

Kean Bryan, the young former Manchester City youngster, could be one player who leaves on loan in January. His United career has been restricted to just three cup appearances since he arrived at Bramall Lane in the summer of 2018.