Sheffield United lining up move for Greece international

With the deadline for new signings set to pass on Friday - less than 24 hours before United face Crystal Palace in the Premier League - Wilder wants to unveil at least one more new player ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park following the recent arrivals of Jack Rodwell and Jack Robinson.

Although he warned United should still be prepared for talks with potential new recruits to “go right down to the wire”, Wilder said: “We are working extremely hard to get things wrapped up on Monday and Tuesday, it’s important we get players in as quickly as possible.

“But if it doesn’t happen like that, and it seems to be part and parcel of football now, then I wouldn’t be surprised and we have to be ready for it.

“We understand and we deal with it.”

United, who handed Robinson his debut during their FA Cup win over Millwall, are understood to be monitoring Panagiotis Retsos of Bayer Leverkusen, Ipswich Town defender Luke Woolfenden while QPR’s Eberechi Ezre and Josh Brownhill have also been linked, although the latter is unlikely to leave Bristol City until the end of the campaign unless he attracts a big money offer.

Retsos, aged 21, is a senior Greece international and can operate on either side of defence. The Germans will consider allowing him to move to England on loan as he continues his comeback from a series of injuries.

United are also expected to sanction some departures, with Kean Bryan and Leon Clarke among those Wilder is prepared to lose despite having no concerns about their commitment behind the scenes. Ravel Morrison could also be allowed to leave on loan after failing to appear off the bench in the capital while Luke Freeman, who did start, is known to interest Leeds and Nottingham Forest.

However, it would take an offer of around £6m to tempt United to the negotiating table as Wilder is also satisfied with the former Queens Park Rangers midfielder’s performances.

Confirming he is in constant contact with Paul Mitchell, United’s head of recruitment, Wilder said: “I think you do come alive at this time. I know Mitch has woken himself up a little bit, he comes alive as well and I’m on to him 24/7.

“He must dread it every time the phone goes and it’s me.

“It’s always in you to try and improve and it’s just as important to do that when things are going well as when they’re not and you’re trying to turn things around.”