The table Sheffield United top by a country mile as they prepare for their final match of the Premier League season

Researchers estimate the 54 Chris Wilder’s side had collected following the 3-0 win over Chelsea earlier this month cost £237,193 each. That represents better value for money than any team to feature in the division since Charlton Athletic in 1999 - when the Londoners were relegated.

Promoted from the Championship last term, United enter Sunday’s final match of the present campaign in eighth position and assured of finishing no lower than 10th.

The project, which was made available to The Star after being commissioned by bookmakers BetVictor, calculates Wolverhampton Wanderers are the next most “co-efficient” squad, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, who were beaten at Bramall Lane earlier this month, returning a figure of £521,983.

Manchester United are said to be spending the most money per point (£2.1m), followed by their neighbours Manchester City (£1.8m), Arsenal (£1.8m) and Everton (£1.7m).

Southampton, who play host to United this weekend, are thought to average a point every £1m spent - around £100,000 less than newly crowned champions Liverpool and relegation threatened Watford.

The data used to compile the rankings was obtained from a number of sources including Companies House and Sportrac - a website which analyses salary and bonus payments in a variety of sports across the globe.

An important message: Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues. The Star is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions for unlimited access to Sheffield news and information online. Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city. Once again, thank you. James.