'We'll be better than ever': Sheffield United boss makes a bold prediction about his new look squad

With AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale poised to return to Bramall Lane three years after leaving for The Vitality Stadium and former Rangers shot-stopper Wes Foderingham being unveiled last month, Wilder’s efforts are now focused on bolstering United’s attack after coaching staff identified a need for more firepower.

Nigeria’s Emmanuel Dennis and Darwin Nunez of Uruguay have both been linked with moves to South Yorkshire ahead of next month’s return to action, while Jonathan Swift and Matty Cash are known to feature on United’s wanted list, although another target - Wigan Athletic’s Antonee Robinson, appears destined for Fulham.

Despite admitting his recruitment budget has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic - United’s hierarchy are thought to have lost around £6m in matchday revenues alone since football retreated behind closed doors - Wilder said: “It’s my job to make the most of whatever we’re given and I’m confident that, when I sit down to look at the group at the end of the summer, that it will be better equipped than the one which started last season.”

"Pund for pound," he continued, "The business we've done in the past has delivered real value for money I think."

United’s hierarchy began preparing the paperwork to process Ramsdale’s arrival after agreeing a fee with their counterparts in Dorset on Friday night. The England under-21 international is scheduled to undergo a medical shortly, once personal terms are finalised.

Wilder moved for Ramsdale after growing frustrated with the progress of talks aimed at bringing Dean Henderson back to United for a third time, together with some of the caveats his parent club Manchester United wanted to place on the proposed loan deal.

Like Cash, whose performances for Nottingham Forest have attracted an army of admirers, Reading’s Swift has expressed his interest in exploring the possibility of joining United. But the Berkshire club’s owner insists he can persuade the midfielder to stay put.

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