Sheffield United Q&A: James Shield on the transfer window, Billy Sharp, incomings and outgoings

We’re just past the first week of the January transfer window and we are already beginning to see a few developments at Bramall Lane in one way or another.
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Here, James Shield answers some of the big questions...

Are any of the players who had been out on loan likely to be sold in this month?

Although nothing can be ruled-out, I’d be surprised if the younger players United have loaned out are permanently sold. Rhys Norrington-Davies, for example, has been placed with Rochdale but is highly rated by Chris Wilder and his staff. The more senior ones, including Mark Duffy and Ben Heneghan and Nathan Thomas, would probably be allowed to leave if suitable offers are received. But remember Duffy’s contract expires at the end of the season anyway.

Sheffield United skipper Billy Sharp has spent most of this season on the bench (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Sheffield United skipper Billy Sharp has spent most of this season on the bench (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Sheffield United skipper Billy Sharp has spent most of this season on the bench (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Is this window going to be used to fill out the squad or are there targets who might go straight into the team?

Given the form of those in and around the starting line-up at present, it’s going to be very difficult for anyone to immediately force themselves into Chris Wilder’s starting eleven. But obviously anyone who arrives - and I can’t see United doing more than three bits of business, Jack Rodwell included, unless anyone is sold - is going to have to be capable of performing at Premier League level. Given the physical demands of top flight football, it would be a major surprise if United do not pick up any injuries between now and the end of the season. And there are areas, particularly at the back, where they could do with extra competition and cover.

Will any more younger players be sent out this time?

Jake Eastwood has just been brought back to Bramall Lane, with United cutting short his loan spell at Scunthorpe. The decision has been taken because Michael Verrips received a blow to the head during the FA Cup tie against AFC Fylde and with Simon Moore receiving treatment for a groin complaint, United could be left without cover for Dean Henderson when they face West Ham on Friday if he fails to recover in time. But I’d expect him to be loaned back out to a League Two club, or possibly one at the top of the Conference, when United have a full compliment of senior goalkeepers at their disposal again. Kean Bryan would also benefit from a spell on loan while, at academy level, any opportunity to expose players to senior competitive football will be taken to further their development.

The Star's Sheffield United writer James Shield: Scott MerryleesThe Star's Sheffield United writer James Shield: Scott Merrylees
The Star's Sheffield United writer James Shield: Scott Merrylees

What positions are United looking at to strengthen?

I wrote about this very thing earlier. READ IT HERE

Will Billy Sharp be staying?

For the time being, I’d say yes. Clearly he won’t be delighted by his lack of football this season and, if opportunities continue to prove in short supply during the second half of the campaign, I think he’ll reluctantly look elsewhere. But Wilder values his presence and his influence behind the scenes and won’t look to force him out. Plus, there’s an argument to say he’s still the best finisher at the football club. So if a chance does arise, a couple of goals could change everything. Age-wise, though, the likes of Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie obviously represent the future as things stand.

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Away from the transfer window, are there any plans to expand the Lane at the end of the season?

Although this has been mooted for some time - plans, focusing initially on the south stand, were submitted to the council two years ago - I suspect recent developments at ownership level will see the idea put on hold for the time being. Kevin McCabe, who recently lost his High Court battle with HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, still owns the stadium and other properties associated with the club. Under the terms of Justice Fancourt’s ruling, Prince Abdullah must purchase those by the summer. But McCabe has announced his intention to appeal that judgement. So I can’t see any major development work taking place until this situation - and uncertainty - is resolved.