Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder talks about transfers as deadline day approaches

Chris Wilder has again declined to comment on Sheffield United’s plans for the remainder of the transfer window, as coaching staff at Bramall Lane privately prepare for the club to make no new signings before Monday’s deadline.
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Despite being told before Christmas that he could make two loan signings, and subsequently making a series of recommendations, Wilder now appears resigned to the fact that United must plot a course through the remainder of the campaign with a squad he described last night as being “smashed” by injuries.

Three of the leading names on the list he presented to Bramall Lane’s board of directors now appear destined for moves elsewhere, with Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard poised to be unveiled by West Ham and Ben Davies, the Preston North End centre-half, likely to strike a pre-contract agreement with Scottish Premiership champions Celtic. Another player Wilder had identified as a target, Sampdoria’s Omar Colley, is reportedly interesting Newcastle as Steve Bruce looks to steer his team away from the relegation zone.

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Asked to provide an update on United’s activity in the market ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League game against Manchester City, Wilder replied: “I’ve got nothing to say on transfers so far.”

Oli McBurnie, the Sheffield United striker, has been undergoing treatment for a shoulder problem: Darren Staples/SportimageOli McBurnie, the Sheffield United striker, has been undergoing treatment for a shoulder problem: Darren Staples/Sportimage
Oli McBurnie, the Sheffield United striker, has been undergoing treatment for a shoulder problem: Darren Staples/Sportimage

Although John Egan’s return from suspension is a boost, United could still travel to the Etihad Stadium without eight senior players at their disposal. The Republic of Ireland centre-half, Ben Osborn, Oli McBurnie and Enda Stevens were among those to miss Wednesday night’s win over Manchester United; a result which saw United remain at the bottom of the table but cut the gap between themselves and 17th placed Brighton and Hove Albion to 10 points with 18 matches of their season remaining.

Speaking earlier this month, Wilder suggested it was imperative that United bolstered the options at their disposal in order to enhance their chances of avoiding relegation back to the Championship. Midfield is a particular area of concern, with Osborn’s absence meaning United travelled to Old Trafford with no direct replacement for either John Lundstram, Oliver Norwood or John Fleck on a bench containing only six or the permitted nine substitutes. With Jack Robinson also undergoing treatment, Ethan Ampadu, who could provide cover in the central area of the pitch, is being required to play in defence. Wilder’s interest in Lingard, which despite suggestions to the contrary was genuine, represented an attempt to stave-off another potential selection issue.

Despite their apparent reluctance to strengthen before Tuesday’s crucial encounter against fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion, United do have a track record of changing their recruitment strategy. Sander Berge completed what was at the time a record breaking £22m move from Genk this time last year, after senior members of their hierarchy revised the budget which had been placed at Wilder’s disposal only four weeks earlier. The Norwegian is now recovering from surgery to reattach a severed hamstring, while Jack O’Connell is unlikely to return to action until April at the earliest after suffering a set-back in his battle to overcome a serious knee complaint.

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