Sheffield United have six players who will become out of contract this summer.
That does not include the five other players currently on loan at Bramall Lane, who will automatically return to their parent clubs.
After the Blades’ promotion to the Premier League was confirmed, manager Chris Wilder is likely to already be looking at his squad.
While the fans celebrate, Wilder will be putting plans in place for the club’s first season in the top flight in 12 years.
That will include contract negotiations. So what does the future hold for those soon to be without a deal?
SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Paul Coutts
An integral part of the team that earned promotion from League One and started so well in the Championship last season. In fact, Coutts’ broken leg in October 2017 arguably resulted in the Blades’ eventual slide from playoff contenders to finishing 10th in 2017/18.
That said, the signing of Oliver Norwood has limited the 30-year-old to just one league start this term. A new contract would be a surprise.
Martin Cranie
Cranie is an interesting case. Signed on an initial short-term deal, in January that was extended until the end of the season. Not a regular starter, the defender has been a capable deputy in Wilder’s overlapping centre-back system.
Cranie also has, admittedly limited, Premier League experience. It wouldn’t be a shock if he earned a 12-month extension.
(Photo by Conor Molloy/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Danny Lafferty
Currently on loan at Peterborough United, Lafferty wasn’t considered good enough for a Championship squad. Therefore he will almost certainly be released.
Caolan Lavery
A similar story for Lavery, who is on loan at Bury in League Two at the moment. Played under Wilder in League One but is certainly not ready for the Premier League.
Conor Washington
David McGoldrick and Washington were signed on free transfers last summer. The former has 15 league goals and has earned a new contract. The latter has failed to score once. His days at Bramall Lane are surely numbered.
Jake Wright
Wright almost joined Scunthorpe United on loan in January, as reported by the Sheffield Star, and while that fell through he is clearly not in Wilder’s long-term plans. League One probably beckons.
