The step Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is prepared to take in order to secure his leading transfer targets

After identifying a left sided centre-half and midfielder as his top priorities in the market following a difficult start to the season, Wilder presented United’s board of directors with a list of recommendations before leaving them to take charge of negotiations.

But as his team continues its preparations for Boxing Day’s home game against Everton, Wilder has decided the need for need arrivals is so acute he is ready to step in and hold one-to-one discussions with potential new signings if requested. United will enter the meeting with Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the bottom of the table, after failing to win any of their 14 outings so far this term.

Although Wilder has insisted South Yorkshire remains a desirable destination for players hoping to further their top-flight careers, he privately accepts United must take three points from at least one of their contests over the Christmas period in order to retain any realistic hope of capturing his first choice options.

With United’s business set to be limited to loans, Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard is known to interest Wilder and his coaching staff while Omar Colley’s situation at Sampdoria has been monitored for the last two months. Lewis Morgan, of MLS franchise Inter Miami, has also been linked despite the fact Wilder’s preferred 3-5-2 system means he has little use for wingers. However, given Morgan’s creativity, agents acting on his behalf could be touting him as a replacement for John Lundstram, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, should Lingard move elsewhere.

Wilder, who is scheduled to address the media later today, told reporters following last weekend’s draw at Brighton and Hove Albion that he is focused on those players currently at his disposal rather than attracting fresh additions.

“January will take care of itself,” he replied, when asked if there was any update on in-comings. “I’ve made my recommendations about what, and who, I think we need.”

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