It’s been a slow start to the summer transfer window for Sheffield United - but in recent weeks, Unitedites have allowed themselves to dream a little bit more as their long-awaited US-led takeover edges ever closer. The Blades are in a state of limbo until the would-be owners get the keys to Bramall Lane, with Chris Wilder limited to the free transfer of Jamie Shackleton so far.
But a number of United targets are well-known, with the Blades ready to push the button if and when they are able to. In the meantime there are also a number of impressive players available for free after leaving their respective clubs earlier this summer, as Wilder looks to assemble a squad capable of bouncing back to the Premier League at the first attempt - and then, more importantly, having more of a chance of staying there after last season’s damp squib of a season.
With that in mind, we let our minds wander a little and came up with our dream - but realistic - Blades XI, should the takeover go through before the summer transfer window shuts later this summer. What do you make of it, and what would you do differently if you were in charge of United’s recruitment?
9. Callum O'Hare (free, ex-Coventry)
As The Star revealed yesterday, the Blades are keen on luring Hamer's mate and former Coventry colleague to Bramall Lane. Also on a free, it would be a real statement of intent | Getty Images
10. Oli McBurnie (free, ex-SUFC)
Technically a re-signing after his contract expired at the end of last month, McBurnie has a proven pedigree in the Championship and it's unlikely that United could get better without splashing out millions - at which point they might as well have resigned their former record buy | Sportimage
11. Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth)
I'm going full 'housery in my forward line, with Moore and McBurnie reprising their partnership from back in the day at Barnsley. Both are better technical players than they're given credit for but both also know where the goal is - especially at this level | Getty Images