Sheffield United and Fulham will effectively be swapping positions this summer after their respective promotion and relegation.
The Cottagers’ stay back in the top flight lasted just one season, going down with 26 points. United, meanwhile, have returned to the Premier League for the first time in 12 years.
So which players currently plying their trade in West London might the Blades consider?
Defensive rock – Calum Chambers
OK, so Chambers is technically an Arsenal player. However, the defender spent the past campaign on loan at Craven Cottage from the Gunners.
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Although Fulham had the worst defensive record in the top tier in 2018/19, Chambers was a fine performer. The 24-year-old has the ability to play in central defence, right-back, or in midfield.
This versatility could prove appealing to manager Chris Wilder and a loan deal could prove both likely and relatively inexpensive.
Chambers’ experience as a full-back means he could fit in well as one of Wilder’s overlapping central defenders in his 3-5-2 system.
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Experienced head – Ryan Babel
When Babel returned to English football in January, the main reaction was surprise that the former Liverpool forward was still playing.
Actually still only 32-years-old, the forward has spent time in Germany, Netherlands, Turkey, UAE and Spain since leaving Anfield in 2011.
Yet Babel proved to be something of a success with the Whites, scoring five goals and providing three assists. The Dutchman is now out of contract and may find staying in the division an appealing option.
Long shot – Tom Cairney
Cairney is about to enter his fifth year with the West Londoners and clearly loves the club having signed a new contract to keep him there until 2024.
That is why convincing the midfielder to leave for Bramall Lane could prove tricky. Especially as Cairney has described Craven Cottage as “home” and has discussed his ambition to get them promoted again.
Yet things change in football and remaining in the Premier League must surely be attractive.
