This is what Sheffield United really paid to sign Derby County duo Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe

Although the exact sum required to trigger the duo’s release from Pride Park remains undisclosed, sources close to the negotiation process claim it is around £5m less than the figure being reported in some sections of the media.

Acquiring two of the Championship’s most promising young defenders for around £3.5m apiece would represent a major coup for Bramall Lane’s transfer negotiation team, although it remains in County’s interest to stick to the original line fed to journalists during the sale process.

It means Chris Wilder has so far spent less than £20m overhauling his squad ahead of the new Premier League season - which United begin with a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday. (Kick-off 6pm).

Lowe, aged 23, and 20-year-old Bogle, were recruited to provide cover and competition for wing-backs Enda Stevens and George Baldock who, despite the physical demands associated with the position, have made a combined total of 167 appearances over the past two campaigns. The stress being placed upon Baldock’s body - and responsibility for United’s conditioning department to manage it correctly - could increase if, as expected, he receives an international call-up by Greece.

The former MK Dons player, who qualifies for John van’t Schip’s side through one of his grandparents, has been approached by officials in Athens to clarify his eligibility although van’t Schip chose not to select Baldock for the recent Nations League meetings with Slovenia and Kosovo.

After reporting for training earlier this week, Bogle and Lowe are both set to take part in an inter-squad friendly at the Steelphalt Academy this week, as Wilder looks to apply the finishing touches to United’s preparations for the visit of Wolves, which will be screened live on Pick.

The match is designed to introduce them to the 3-5-2 system Wilder has employed in more than half of his games since taking charge in May 2016 - when United were still languishing in the third tier of English football. Wes Foderingham, who moved to South Yorkshire after leaving Rangers, is also scheduled to feature with fellow goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, recruited from AFC Bournemouth for an initial £10m, could take part if he returns from duty with England under-21’s in time.

If Ramsdale proves a success during his second spell with United - he progressed through the club’s youth system before spending three years on the south coast, then the fee United pay their rivals from Dorset could rise considerably.

The agreement which saw Bogle and Lowe make the short journey north is also thought to contain several performance related clauses. However, many of these will effectively pay for themselves if they are activated.

Wilder’s attention is now focused on bolstering his options at centre-forward, amid concerns about the fitness of Lys Mousset, who appeared out of shape during warm-up games against County and Preston North End.

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