Sheffield United: Why events at Chelsea could impact upon Bramall Lane as Luke Freeman interest grows

Sheffield United are expected to wait until Chelsea appoint a new manager before finalising their plans for this summer's transfer window.

Chris Wilder and his coaching staff boast an excellent relationship with Stamford Bridge's hierarchy after signing Jamal Blackman two seasons ago, and senior figures at both clubs are known to have remained in contact since.

Wilder is poised to use one of the two loans he is permitted under Premier League legislation to bring Dean Henderson back to Bramall Lane, following the goalkeeper's arrival on loan from Manchester United last term. The other could be used to bolster United's options in defence, with a wing-back known to feature among the manager's priorities ahead of the new campaign. Luke Freeman, whose situation at Queens Park Rangers is being monitored by Wilder, can also perform that role despite usually being deployed in midfield.

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Chelsea, who are expected to unveil Frank Lampard as Maurizio Sarri's successor shortly, have a wealth of young talent on their books including England youth international Reece James, Jay Dasilva and Tamas Kalas. If he does leave Derby County to take charge of his former club, Lampard is set to integrate many of the Londoners' most talented academy graduates into their first team squad. But the 41-year-old, who worked with Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori at Pride Park, will be unable to offer senior football to every single one of them. And that could open-up a number of fresh leads for United to explore ahead of August's visit to AFC Bournemouth.

Wilder has already identified several potential candidates to fill the vacancy which exists within his defence. Despire refusing to divulge their list of targets, United have a confirmed interest in Freeman, as The Star first revealed earlier this month.Todd Kane, who was recently released by Chelsea, has been monitored in the past. Antonio Valencia, previously of Manchester United, has also expressed an interest in holding talks with Wilder's employers while Brentford's Neal Maupay and Oli McBurnie of Swansea City could be invited to boost the firepower at United's disposal.

Henderson could win his final England under-21 cap against Croatia tomorrow, when Aidy Boothroyod play their final group game of the European Championship finals. Beforehand, United will unveil details of the biggest shirt sponsorship in their history.