Sheffield United's latest response to the 'Jack O'Connell Problem' ahead of tomorrow's transfer deadline

Although a return to the transfer market can not entirely be ruled-out, The Star understands United are now considering a number of potential responses involving players already on the books at Bramall Lane should Jack Robinson, the only left footed centre-half now at their disposal, also become unavailable for selection.

They are thought to involve moving Enda Stevens into a more central position, with Max Lowe taking his place at wing-back, or abandoning the 3-5-2 formation Wilder has employed for the majority of his four year reign, which has seen United climb from League One to the Premier League.

With the scheduling of the international break limiting preparation time ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Fulham, the task of briefing United’s squad on these scenarios is likely to begin in earnest next week should the options at Wilder’s disposal fail to be boosted before tomorrow’s deadline for deals with EFL clubs.

After seeing Scott Parker’s side steal a march in the battle for Huddersfield Town’s Terence Kongolo, who had been identified by Wilder as an ideal candidate to provide competition and cover for Robinson, United were also linked with a swoop for Ben Davies of Preston North End. Despite reports claiming it will cost £5m to secure Davies’ release, it is believed Preston would accept an initial downpayment of around half that amount given the 25-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the present campaign.

Celtic, the reigning Scottish champions, have also reportedly been monitoring Davies’ situation at Deepdale, ahead of a possible pre-contract capture in January. Aware that would dash their hopes of receiving a fee, Preston could be forced to relax their demand for the majority of any fee involving Davies to be handed over upfront before allowing him to leave Lancashire.

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