Sheffield United suffered another huge dent to their automatic promotion hopes following Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle. Chris Wilder’s side were 1-0 up with 10 minutes left but collapsed to concede two highly avoidable goals, with a third consecutive defeat leaving them five points adrift of Leeds United and Burnley with just four games to go.
Automatic promotion has not been written off, however, and United will at least have a decent shot at the play-offs with an instant return to the Premier League still possible. Regardless of their league status for next season, Bramall Lane chiefs look set for a busy summer of ins and outs.
With that in mind, The Star has taken a look at which United players will see their current contracts expire either this summer or next, while there are also important decisions to be made on six loan stars. Take a look below to see how each situation could pan out.
5. Hamza Choudhury - loan ends 2025
Like Clarke and Ipswich, Choudhury's parent club Leicester City are down and might be inclined to keep their academy graduate for another promotion push. Has been steadily impressive since joining on loan in January, operating at right-back when needed. Photo: George Wood
6. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi - loan ends 2025
Still highly regarded at Crystal Palace, who turned down offers of a permanent exit before loaning him to United last summer. Still only 22 and it's feasible Palace send him out on loan again, although much of the Blades' future plans cannot be cemented until their league status for next season is confirmed. | Molly Darlington/Getty Images Photo: Molly Darlington/Getty Images
7. Ben Brereton Diaz - loan ends 2025
Brereton Diaz is the only loan player United have a permanent option for, which is believed to be around £10m. It's unclear whether that will be feasible if the Blades are still playing Championship football, but it's definitely a realistic amount for a newly-promoted Premier League team to spend. | Getty Images
8. Rhian Brewster - contract expires 2025
The striker's fifth campaign at United has not been without injury but it's been a major improvement on previous years, with four goals in 35 Championship games. Still only 25-years-old and the Blades might hope to get a bit more from someone who cost them £20m-plus back in 2020. Photo: Andrew Yates