Rhian Brewster is keen on the idea of joining Sheffield United, as Chris Wilder reveals what must happen for the striker to join his team

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s derby against Leeds, Chris Wilder reiterated his desire to sign a new centre-forward before next month’s transfer deadline - insisting that because “everyone else” is improving, it is imperative United do as well.

Although talks between Wilder’s employers and Jurgen Klopp’s side have now been taking place for over a month, a deal between the two clubs has yet to be agreed. With sources in the North-West confirming Brewster views United as the ideal place to launch his Premier League career, despite interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion, that suggests finances are responsible for the apparent impasse after United acknowledged their recruitment budget has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite initially being minded to let Brewster depart on loan, Liverpool’s technical department are now thought to prefer the idea of selling the England under-21 international but insisting on a buy back clause.

“We need to add to the group and the owners know that,” Wilder, who has also made an approach for Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun, said. “Everyone is investing, everybody is improving and it’s important Sheffield United add to the group the same as everyone else has done, relative to what we’ve got to spend.”

“It’s difficult for me to say we haven’t made enquiries for those two,” Wilder continued, admitting Lys Mousset will miss this weekend’s game with a foot injury. “But also I’m not comfortable talking about players at other clubs. We’ve enquired about a number of players and hopefully we’ll get one over the line."

Brewster, aged 20, started his career with Chelsea before following Michael Beale, who had left Stamford Bridge to take up a position with the reigning champions, to Liverpool. Already aware of his potential, United resolved to try and acquire Brewster after watching him score 11 times in 22 appearances during a spell on loan at Swansea City last season.

Having unveiled seven new players since leading United to a ninth placed finish last term, Wilder believes it is imperative they bolster their attacking options in order to give themselves the best possible chance of establishing themselves at the highest level.

Highlighting the challenges United face in the market - they were competing in the third tier of English football when he took charge four years ago - Wilder said: “Potentially it will go down to the window. We are working so hard to get that across the line.

“We are not like the majority of clubs in the division, where we pick the phone up, make a call and sign it off. It’s not the same. I understand that."

“We have a decision as a football club, above me,” Wilder added. “There’s three main players in signing a player - the player, does he want to come to us? Then there is the selling club and what price are we prepared to come up to. All three things need to come in to make it happen. There’s things that have to happen now, from a negotiation point of view, to get the player.”

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