Sheffield United: Blades holding possible loan talks

The discussions, which will continue following tonight’s friendly against FC Halifax Town, could see some of the country’s most exciting young talents move to South Yorkshire before the new season begins in less than three weeks time.

Wilder has signed six new players, including Jack O’Connell and John Fleck, since taking charge of United two months ago. He devised a plan to build relationships with leading PL teams after being impressed by how the likes of Liverpool’s Ryan Kent and Tottenham Hotspur’s Grant Ward impressed during loan spells in the Football League last term. Former Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher, now of West Ham, emerged as a driving force behind Barnsley’s return to the Championship earlier this year.

“We’re looking at few youngsters with Premier League clubs but that will probably be more towards the back end of the window,” Wilder said. “We are doing due diligence on them and their clubs are doing due diligence on us.”

Wilder, despite refusing to confirm the names on his wanted list, added: “They are finding out about how we want to play. But we are getting those relationships in place.”

Former United goalkeeper John Hope has died, aged 67. Hope, who joined from Newcastle in 1971, made over 70 appearances for the club and helped win promotion to the top-flight later that year. A spokesperson said: “The thoughts of the Blades family are with John’s nearest and dearest. The flag at Bramall Lane flies at half mast in tribute.”