Revealed: How, where and why Sheffield United plan to strengthen during the transfer window

Together with assistant Alan Knill, coach Matt Prestridge and head of recruitment Paul Mitchell, Wilder identified the need to sign a new centre-forward and right-sided centre-half following their in-depth analysis of United’s journey to ninth in the table.

Although they would prefer to bolster their attacking options by making a permanent acquisition - particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Lys Mousset’s long-term future in South Yorkshire - the quartet believe it could be possible to acquire a suitable defender on a temporary basis as they attempt to help the club’s hierarchy plot a course through the financial chaos caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

United have considered using this tactic to boost their options there in the past, with Everton’s Mason Holgate once viewed as a potential target before Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment in December reinvigorated the youngster’s career at Goodison Park.

With Jack Robinson proving a more than able deputy for Jack O’Connell on the left of his three man rearguard since arriving from Nottingham Forest in January, Wilder wants to draft-in cover for Chris Basham on the opposite flank. The longest-serving member of United’s team, Basham has appeared in all of their league games since helping win promotion from the Championship 16 months ago. But, given the demands of his role - like O’Connell and Robinson, Basham is expected to push forward on the overlap and provide attacking support - United could be forced to adopt a different strategy if the 32-year-old became unavailable for selection. In December, Basham was shown a red card during the 2-1 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road but escaped a suspension when it was rescinded following a VAR review. Although Wilder later endorsed that decision - accusing City’s Kenny McLean of overreacting to the force of Basham’s challenge - he made a mental note about the consequences had referee Simon Hooper not been instructed to intervene. Nottingham Forest’s Matt Cash is viewed as a potential back-up for Basham - and would be a permanent acquisition.

“Ideally, we want two for every position - or at least players who can fill a couple of different slots if required,” Wilder told The Star following United’s climb out of the second tier. “It might not be possible straight away but that’s what we’ve got to try and aim for in order to build on what we’ve done and attempting to progress.”

“We’ll do what we can to try and achieve that,” Wilder continued. “And we’ll use everything we’ve got at our disposal to keep on pushing and improving. You can’t stand still in this business because, if you do, then everyone else goes flying past.

“That’s the nature of this business. You can’t ever sit still and think you’re cracked it or you’re sorted. It’s a constant process. Not just whenever transfer windows come around, as some people might think.”

Although it was not the driving force behind their search for reinforcements, United began the search before Basham agreed a new contract over the weekend. Their latest proposal, made shortly before competition was suspended in March because of the worsening health crisis, was accepted on Saturday morning - three month after being tabled.

A similar situation, however, is behind United’s interest in Reading’s John Swift who has told officials at the Madejski Stadium that he wants to explore a move to South Yorkshire. A box-to-box midfielder, Swift is viewed as a ready-made replacement for John Lundstram, whose representative has spent nearly a year trying to persuade United to increase what Wilder recently described as a “take it or leave it” proposal.

Despite triggering a clause entitling them to retain Lundstram’s services for another 12 months, the pressure on their budget caused by break in the fixture schedule and social distancing measures imposed by government means United are loath to allow the Liverpudlian to leave on a free. That resolve is likely to have hardened following an announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that pilot schemes, designed to ease crowds back into attending sporting events, will be suspended following a rise in infection rates. That is likely to impact upon plans being discussed by top-flight clubs to begin welcoming supporters back into their stadiums towards the end of September and early October.

If Mousset does depart - United have allowed the striker to return to France following the birth of his first child - then Wilder will hope any monies raised will be spent on drafting in a replacement capable of playing alongside Oli McBurnie, David McGoldrick and captain Billy Sharp. Mousset cost around £10m when he left AFC Bournemouth last summer but a combination of concerns about his fitness and several personal issues have prevented him from cementing a place in United’s starting eleven - even though Wilder is known to believe Mousset has the potential to become his first choice centre-forward.

Queens Park Rangers’ Eberechi Eze has previously been linked with United. But, with interest from West Ham, Aston Villa, Newcastle. West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace driving up the Londoners’ asking price, Eze is now thought to be beyond United’s reach - prompting them to explore alternative options during this summer’s transfer window.

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