Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has confirmed he’d like to use his two loan options in the January window if possible.
The Blades boss already has Ethan Ampadu on loan from Chelsea. That leaves just the one slot available domestically, while rules also dictate it can’t be another Blues player.
Further afield, United are said to be keen on Sampdoria defender, Omar Colley. The Gambian could be the answer to United’s left-sided defensive issues.
Wilder’s use of the other loan is likely – or fans would like it to be – on a creative midfielder capable of getting goals and assists.
John Fleck is nowhere near the form he showed last term, while John Lundstrsam has yet to score and Sander Berge has just the one – a penalty at Anfield – to his name.
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It goes without saying, then, that United could use help in that department and there could be a number of options available to Wilder if he’s lucky.
Lingard and Smith-Rowe among feasible options
United need someone capable of breaking the lines and driving at defences from midfield. They also need someone with quality, composure, and class when it comes making the best decision in the final third.
Jesse Lingard is a name who springs to mind in terms of out of favour players with top level experience. Lingard is, as reported today, expected to be able to move away from Old Trafford in January. Sky Sports claim that Rangers, Celtic, and Spanish side, Real Sociedad are all options.
But whether Lingard fancies a crack at the Premier League with the Blades is certainly an interesting option. His wages, thought to be around £75k-a-week, could be an issue, though.
Another option is young Arsenal midfielder, Emile Smith-Rowe. ESPN claims Smith-Rowe could be allowed out on loan in January.
After enjoying a spell with Huddersfield last season, the next logical step for Smith-Rowe is a Premier League loan. Indeed, 3 goals in 3 games for the Gunners’ under-23s, plus a smattering of appearances in the cups this season, suggest Mikel Arteta is a fan of the 20-year-old.
There will, of course, be others on the radar of Wilder and Alan Knill.
But in terms of quality in a position we desperately need it, Lingard and Smith-Rowe are certainly two options we could consider.