Will West Ham United return with an improved bid to sign John Fleck on deadline day?
Yet with the January window not shutting until 11pm this evening, there is time for another offer.
Losing Fleck would be a major blow for the Blades, but it would be understandable if the midfielder were tempted by a move to the Premier League.
The 27-year-old was the club’s player of the year last season and has been a key figure once again this term. Fleck has missed just one Championship match in 2018/19 to help United to third in the table.
Who could replace Fleck?
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If the Blades were to lose the Scot then they would need to act quickly to secure a replacement. Oliver Norwood and Fleck have formed a fine central midfield partnership this season.
Norwood has effectively been an upgrade on Paul Coutts and the two are probably too similar to operate alongside each other on a consistent basis.
John Lundstram has shown promise and is a fine squad player, but manager Chris Wilder would need more than three central midfielders to mount a serious promotion push.
Which is the why the Blades might consider returning for a former player in Kevin McDonald.
McDonald spent two years at Bramall Lane between 2011 and 2013 during the club’s League One days, featuring 91 times.
The 30-year-old played a crucial part in Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs in 2017/18. McDonald also started this season in the Cottagers first team.
However, an ankle injury has reduced the Scotland international’s appearances and now he is being linked with a move away.
Football Insider claim that Nottingham Forest have made an approach for McDonald. Yet with his United connections and the increased chances of promotion under Wilder, perhaps a return to South Yorkshire would be a bigger draw.