Chris Wilder warns Sheffield United may have to be patient in January transfer window as they look to land their top targets

Wilder's men have established themselves in the top ten of the division, both through performances and results, and only lost their long unbeaten run away from home on Sunday when they were beaten by reigning champions Manchester City.

The task doesn't become any easier when they face Liverpool in their next outing, before attentions turn to the FA Cup and United's third-round clash against AFC Fylde at Bramall Lane.

The January window also opens for business on New Year's Day, with Brentford's Ollie Watkins and Eberechi Eze of QPR possible targets for the Blades.

Wilder is also thought to be targeting defensive reinforcements for the second half of the Premier League campaign.

And the manager said: "I'm absolutely battering (head of recruitment) Paul Mitchell at the minute.

"Every couple of hours I'm asking: 'Is anything happening? Are we moving on anything?'.

"He would if he could, but the majority of the time it's patience and waiting and that's what we have to do.

"We've put a lot of work into this window. It's an important window for us, with the 'outs' just as much as the 'ins', to get that balance right.

"We're working very hard and I'm sure when Paul has some news for me, then we'll move on that.

"I'm quite impatient, but sometimes other people aren't as quick to do the deals as maybe I am."