Sheffield United will help League One promotion winner to find a new club

Kieron Freeman, Jake Wright (centre) and Richard Stearman during a Sheffield United training session: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

The centre-half had been expected to remain with Keith Hill’s side until the end of the League One season.

But has now returned to Bramall Lane as the former Barnsley and AFC Rochdale manager attempts to address his team’s defensive deficiencies.

Wanderers have conceded 19 goals in their last eight outings; a record which has seemingly prompted Hill to take action with Josh Earl, who partnered Wright during the 4-3 defeat by Burton Albion, also being culled.

Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, has no problems with Jake Wright: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Despite playing 52 games during his first two seasons at Bramall Lane, Wright failed to make a single appearance for United as they were promoted from the Championship last term.

He had been scheduled to join Scunthorpe on a temporary basis 12 months ago but the move fell through following a change of heart at Glanford Park.

With Chris Wilder previously underlining the importance of a streamlined squad - “Everyone has got to feel they’ve got a chance of playing” - Wright is among a handful of players United will look to place elsewhere as they prepare to bolster the options at the 52-year-old’s disposal.

Centre-forward Leon Clarke, who captained United during their FA Cup win over AFC Fylde, is also set to depart while Kean Bryan and Richard Stearman could be allowed to leave on a temporary basis after finding opportunities in short supply during the first-half of the Premier League season.