Sheffield United set for transfer talks as targets identified

The Star understands reports linking Wilder with Jesse Lingard, the Manchester United midfielder, are correct although United’s manager will face stiff competition from a number of rival Premier League clubs for the 28-year-old’s signature.

Marcos Rojo, Lingard’s team mate at Old Trafford, is also known to boast admirers among Bramall Lane’s board of directors although Wilder is thought to be exploring alternative options both an home and abroad after making a replacement for injured centre-half Jack O’Connell his priority when the market reopens after Christmas.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose side beat United 3-2 on Thursday night, is expected to allow both Lingard and Rojo to leave Old Trafford as he prepares to bolster his own squad.

Members of United’s hierarchy held what Wilder described as a “recruitment meeting” earlier this week after being presented with his list of “recommendations”. Another series of discussions are set to take place following tomorrow’s match at Brighton and Hove Albion, where Wilder’s men will hope to record their first victory of the campaign. United travel south at the bottom of the table, after losing 12 and drawing one of their 13 outings so far.

Oli McBurnie and Sander Berge are doubts for the trip to Sussex, while O’Connell and Kean Bryan have definitely been ruled-out.

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