Chris Wilder has put his recommendations to the Sheffield United board ahead of the January transfer window.
Wilder has made signing a new striker a priority, while an attacking midfielder is also on the wishlist.
The Blades manager is targeting players who can make an “immediate difference”, such as summer signings John Egan and Oliver Norwood. Egan was a £4m purchase from Brentford, while Norwood is expected to make his loan from Brighton and Hove Albion permanent in the New Year.
Both have been key for United this season and now Wilder wants the same impact further up the pitch.
“There are some hugely powerful clubs around us and I’ve put my recommendations to the owners,” the 51-year-old told the Sheffield Star.
“We all want to be pushing for the Premier League. I do. Both owners do. I know that.
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“I’ll do my best and get the maximum out of what I’m given.”
Will Wilder get what he wants?
The last line of Wilder’s comments is telling. Many feel that the Blades boss has not received adequate backing from co-owners Kevin McCabe and Prince Abdullah in recent times.
Wilder did also add that the club would explore “scenarios” like David McGoldrick and Conor Washington. Both forwards arrived on free transfers during the summer, but between them have five goals this season.
If United are serious about a promotion push then they will need to target a higher calibre of attacker.
Yet will Wilder actually receive the backing he needs? The problem lies in an ongoing feud between McCabe and Prince Abdullah.
That will not be resolved until a High Court hearing in May and with both men each owning 50 percent in the club, it is far from clear what the decision will be.
Therefore, will either be willing to sanction significant funds being given to Wilder if they could potentially relinquish control come May?
Unfortunately, it could end up being a case of doing the best with what he’s given. Again.