Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder sheds more light on his plans for this month's transfer window

In previous windows, including the one which delivered Rhian Brewster and Oliver Burke to Bramall Lane, Chris Wilder has been willing to trade in the transfer market to complete the signings he believes are required to broaden the skill set at Sheffield United’s disposal.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

But as his team prepares to resume its battle for Premier League survival when Newcastle visit Bramall Lane tomorrow night, the 53-year-old insists a change of approach is required to reverse what, unless they secure a positive result against Steve Bruce’s side, will be in danger of becoming an irreversible slide back into the Championship.

With United’s board of directors continuing to try and broker the two loans Wilder has been granted permission to make, he made it clear their position in the table means swaps, or cash plus player deals, must not be a feature of this month’s recruitment drive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I don’t really want to lose anybody,” Wilder said, despite previously revealing John Lundstram would be allowed to depart after failing to agree a new contract. “I don’t feel as if we can, because of the numbers we are working with.”

Chris Wilder is hoping to sign two new players this month: Darren Staples/SportimageChris Wilder is hoping to sign two new players this month: Darren Staples/Sportimage
Chris Wilder is hoping to sign two new players this month: Darren Staples/Sportimage

Speaking after United secured their first win of the season by beating Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday, Wilder revealed only “18 or so” outfield members of his squad had been available for selection ahad of the third round tie. One of those returning from injury was Burke, who joined United from West Brom after officials at The Hawthorns swooped for Callum Robinson. United also received nearly £3m when Robinson moved to the Midlands and saw Burke score his first goal for the club at the Memorial Stadium.

Wilder, who delivered his recommended targets to United’s hierarchy before Christmas, is known to be interested in Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard and Ben Davies of Preston North End, while CSKA Moscow striker Adolfo Gaich has also been linked although striker is not a priority position for Wilder.

Brewster, who became the most expensive player in United’s history when he left Liverpool, hopes to make his 14th appearance since leaving Anfield against the visitors from the North-East. Despite commanding by what United’s standards is a hefty fee, coaching staff regard him as ‘one for the future’ given his lack of experience at the highest level. The centre-forward, who has been capped by England at under-21 level, had made only four senior appearances for the reigning champions before leaving Anfield.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We want to add, rather than lose, to the existing players to try and make us better,” Wilder said. “We want to give ourselves more opportunities to win games of football, which is what we all want to happen.”

Rhian Brewster joined Sheffield United during the last transfer window: Simon Bellis/SportimageRhian Brewster joined Sheffield United during the last transfer window: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Rhian Brewster joined Sheffield United during the last transfer window: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Lundstram’s situation has been complicated by the fact that United are set to be without his fellow midfielder Sander Berge until March at the earliest because of a hamstring complaint. Wilder had previously stated he would be prepared to sell Lundstram before he becomes a free agent this summer, with Rangers among those reportedly monitoring his situation. Reading’s John Swift was being pursued during the close season. But with United 12 points adrift of safety after losing 15 and drawing two of their 17 league outings so far this term, a swoop for the former Chelsea youngster has been placed on hold.

An important message: Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports. Your support is much appreciated.