Time is running out for Ricky Holmes to find a move away from Sheffield United.
Holmes is one of five players still on the transfer list at Bramall Lane – as reported by the Daily Mail.
Blades manager Chris Wilder admitted to BBC Radio Sheffield he was annoyed those deemed surplus to requirements remained. And told them to “go and get a club.”
A move to a fellow Premier League or Championship side is not possible as the window is now shut. However, League One and Two teams can make new signings until September 2.
In truth, that is probably Holmes’ level in any case having spent last season on loan in the third tier with Oxford United and Gillingham.
So where next for Ricky Holmes?
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The 32-year-old endured a difficult time last term as a back injury limited his playing opportunities. Things started well at Oxford as Holmes scored four goals in 19 appearances.
Yet as of December 15 he didn’t play for them again as fitness issues arose. By mid-January Holmes was back with the Blades as his season-long loan was cut short.
U’s boss Karl Robinson told the Oxford Mail that he hoped the winger might return at a later date. But that didn’t materialise. Despite later joining the Gills, Holmes didn’t play a single minute for them.
It’s more than seven months since the forward left the Kassam Stadium, but he could once again be exactly what they need.
Robinson is keen to sign a wide player after Malachi Napa broke his leg in the recent 1-0 win over Peterborough United.
“I think it’s now a necessity we bring someone in to replace Malachi because we’re a body short there,” the 38-year-old told Banbury Cake.
They have been linked with Reading attacker Garath McCleary, although Berkshire Live reporter Jonathan Low has dismissed that as “speculation.”
Holmes is already known to Oxford and Robinson is clearly an admirer. A stringent fitness test would obviously be needed, but if passed it’s a potential deal that appears to suit all parties.