Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has admitted there’ll be some wheeling and dealing to be done when it comes to January transfers.
Wilder has enjoyed a good start to life back as Blades boss. A solid performance against Liverpool was followed up by an even better one against Brentford at the weekend.
The win over the Bees puts United back within touching distance of the pack above and the next away game at Chelsea is another genuine chance to pick up points.
Of course, one of the pressing issues on the mind of Sheffield United fans is what might happen in January.
Funds are likely to be sparse but it’s obvious the squad needs strengthening. And Wilder, speaking on TalkSPORT, has said he’s already looking at moving some on to make space for new signings.
“We’ve got a meeting on Wednesday so I’ll ask the questions all managers do. There’s players here who we might have to move on and players who one manager might like but another manager thinks is surplus. We’ll wheel and deal and try and get people through the door and some might have to go,” Wilder said on TalkSPORT.
Which Sheffield United players might leave in January?
There are a few obvious names that jump off the page when you look at the squad right now.
Both Luke Thomas and Yasser Larouci are loans who, in an ideal world, United sort out and terminate.
With Max Lowe back, Ben Osborn in the squad, and Auston Trusty and Jack Robinson both capable on the left, we suddenly have too many left-backs. Further, Rhys Norrington-Davies is also on his way back.
Beyond that, Ismaila Coulibaly will surely be one player who is moved on, for his own good if anything else.
John Fleck is an experienced campaigner but won’t play much and while he’s an old favourite of Wilder, the Scot could be moved on.
Finally, up front, Benie Traore might be worth a loan move and one of either Daniel Jebbison or Will Osula might find themselves on their way. Jebbison, in particular, might be sold given his apparent lack of willingness to sign a new contract.
Clearly, then, it seems we will see some movement in January and Wilder looks like he’s already made a few early judgement calls.