The balance Sheffield United are trying to strike in their pursuit of Liverpool's Rhian Brewster

Although Wilder admits United are unlikely to complete their summer recruitment drive before Thursday’s visit to Burnley in the Carabao Cup, he does hope to apply the finishing touches to what has been another extensive makeover ahead of Monday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa.

As The Star revealed earlier this month, United have presented Brewster and Jurgen Klopp, Wilder’s counterpart in the North-West, with a detailed development plan in an effort to jump ahead of Villa in the race for the youngster’s services.

United hope their pressing style, which mirrors the one employed by Klopp, combined with Ollie Watkins’ recent arrival in the West Midlands will make Bramall Lane a more attractive destination for Brewster as he attempts to build on the progress he made during a spell on loan at Swansea City last season.

Speaking after watching his team beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers during the opening round of the new campaign, Wilder confirmed Lys Mousset is recovering from surgery to repair the foot problem he sustained during a warm-up game against Preston North End. Despite starting that match, Oli McBurnie missed most of United’s preparations for the fixture as he also recovered from a foot complaint while David McGoldrick has also been receiving treatment.

Despite being named on the bench for the meeting with Wolves, United chose not to involve Oliver Burke after deciding the former West Bromwich Albion centre-forward, who has not started a game in England since April last year required more time on the training ground before being thrust into action.

Despite feeling confident progress is being made in their pursuit of Brewster, United would rather not wait until the window closes next month in order to finalise a deal. This has been communicated during their negotiations with Klopp and his sporting director Michael Edwards; a Sheffield University graduate. However, with other clubs also interested in the England under-21 international, United are also aware of the need to strike a diplomatic tone throughout those discussions; hence Wilder’s willingness to show patience rather than make an official approach for one of his alternative targets.

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