Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder confirms transfer talks

Chris Wilder has been briefed on the progress of Sheffield United’s talks with his leading targets, as the club’s board of directors presses ahead with attempts to make the early breakthrough in the transfer market their manager believes is essential in order to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

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Wilder, whose future at Bramall Lane appears to be in doubt by a series of disappointing results on the pitch and reported disagreements off it, told The Star earlier this month he believes it is essential United bolster the options at his disposal by making two high-calibre loan signings at the beginning of the window.

With those yet to materialise, United face the prospect of entering Tuesday’s home game against Newcastle with the same depleted squad which travels to Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup tomorrow.

Wilder, who has expressed an interest in signing Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard, Omar Colley of Sampdoria and Preston North End’s Ben Davies, acknowledged responsibility for delivering reinforcements now rests with United’s hierarchy after he made a series of “recommendations” before Christmas.

Sander Berge is one of Sheffield United's long-term absentees: Andrew Yates/Sportimage

Asked if he is aware of how negotiations are unfolding, Wilder replied: “Yes, I’m aware of where we are.”

United travel to the Memorial Stadium still without a win this season, after losing 15 of their 18 matches in all competitions. Languishing at the bottom of the table, last weekend’s defeat by Crystal Palace saw them finish the latest round of top-flight fixtures 12 points adrift of safety.

With Jack O’Connell and Sander Berge both long-term absentees, Wilder confirmed Oli McBurnie has also been ruled-out of the third round tie with a shoulder problem. Oliver Burke and Jack Robinson are both doubts, while Lys Mousset could be declared unavailable for selection following a high-profile incident 24 hours after United’s return from Selhurst Park.

With a Covid-19 outbreak also limiting Wilder’s room for manoeuvre, he confirmed midfield and the left hand side of defence are the areas where United need to strengthen.

"With the results we’ve had, we could possibly do with more than two,” he smiled. “But it will be two loan, yes, and those are the positions we’re looking at.”