Sheffield United sanction first transfer move of January window as forgotten man links up with neighbours

Sheffield United have sanctioned the first departure of what is expected to be a busy transfer window at Bramall Lane after allowing a forgotten man to join one of their near neighbours. The Blades have targeted this month as a key part of their season revival hopes in its second half.

As important as getting players in, though, is moving some on, with Chris Wilder keen to trim the fat on the squad he reinherited from Ruben Selles after replacing the Spaniard back in September.

Based on his ideal squad size and the current bloated group he is working with, as many as 10 players could move on this window. Four have already been made available, as we revealed yesterday, with Alex Matos, Mihail Polendakov, Christian Nwachukwu and Ehije Ukaki all free to leave should a suitable offer be received, either on loan or permanent.

Youngsters like Ryan One and Louie Marsh are also expected to move elsewhere on loan this window and the first departure has already been confirmed, with Sam Curtis joining Chesterfield earlier today.

The right-back has struggled to break through into the United first team since arriving at Bramall Lane from St Patrick's Athletic, to some fanfare, two years ago. He is one of three players to have signed for the Spireites today, alongside Leicester City’s Sammy Braybrooke and Sil Swinkels of Aston Villa.