Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder makes an admission about his final transfer target of this summer's window

As The Star revealed earlier this week, Huddersfield Town defender Terence Kongolo features on the shortlist of names Wilder presented to Bramall Lane’s board of directors when it emerged O’Connell could be in danger of missing the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Although the Holland international, who has been told he can leave The John Smith’s Stadium by new manager Carlos Corberan, is known to be keen on the idea of joining United, Wilder admitted it is by no means certain a deal for either Kongolo or another of the candidates he has identified will be brokered by the time the window closes in a little over 48 hours time.

“We are trying to replace Jack but if we can’t then we have to find a solution from within,” Wilder said. “But we can’t go out and write a cheque for whatever money. And we also have to keep an eye on the wages. There’s players who go out for very little, seemingly in terms of a fee, but the wages are incredible. The numbers you wouldn’t believe.”

Although Wilder has been impressed by the progress Jack Robinson has made as he attempts to master the art of being an overlapping centre-half - a role O’Connell has performed superbly since United switched to a 3-5-2 system four years ago - he is keen to bolster United’s options at the back to prevent further injuries or suspensions forcing a change of formation.

John Egan is set to return to action at Arsenal tomorrow after missing the defeat by Leeds following his red card against Aston Villa - a decision which prompted Premier League officials to arrange a discussion between Wilder and Mike Riley, the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Board.

Despite welcoming the gesture, Wilder told journalists yesterday that Riley had yet to get in touch.

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