The latest on Sheffield United's search for a new striker, as talks with Liverpool over Rhian Brewster continue

Although Croatia’s Ante Budimir has been linked with United in recent days, while Folarin Balogun of Arsenal has been the subject of a concrete bid, negotiations between officials at Anfield and Wilder’s employers remain ongoing, despite making slow progress in recent weeks.

Liverpool’s preference to sell the youngster - and insert a buy back clause into any potential deal - is likely to be among the stumbling blocks after the Covid-19 pandemic affected United’s transfer budget.

Speaking earlier this month, Wilder indicated he would “almost certainly” be using the loan market to fill the vacancy for a striker he has identified within his squad, which returns to Premier League action against Leeds on Sunday. Talks about Brewster began on that basis, before Liverpool began briefing they would rather cash-in on the England under-21 international, whilst reserving the right to bring him back to the North-West at a later date. If they stick to that view, United must try and find room within their budget to pay the first installment of the fee Liverpool would demand for Brewster, who scored 11 times in 22 appearances for Swansea City last term. The remaining balance would then be settled over the course of any future contract, in line with common footballing practice.

United will enter their meeting with Marcelo Bielsa’s side searching for their first win of the new season and without the suspended John Egan following his dismissal during Monday’s defeat by Aston Villa. But reflecting upon United’s display at Villa Park, Wilder expressed confidence that a victory is not far away after praising the tactical discipline his players demonstrated in the West Midlands.

Newly promoted Leeds added to their squad again ahead of the trip to South Yorkshire by unveiling Spain defender Diego Llorente, paying Real Sociedad around £18m to acquire the former Real Madrid and Malaga centre-half, who can also operate in midfield.

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