As they turn the page on what has been a tough second half of 2023, Sheffield United are targeting the January sales as an opportunity to breathe fresh life into their bid to stay in the Premier League this season. It looks a tough ask, the Blades bottom of the table with 18 games remaining, but boss Chris Wilder has signalled his intention to bring in "two or three" quality additions during this window and owner Prince Abdullah is seemingly on the same page.
As The Star reported earlier, United hope to make Villareal striker Ben Brereton Diaz their first signing of the window on a loan deal until the end of the season while a goalkeeper, plus options in midfield, are also thought to feature on Wilder's window wishlist. With United unlikely to splash too much cash in this window, mindful of their position and the club's financial position, we asked Blades fans for the realistic signings they would like to see their club make in this window.
Some did stretch the boundaries of 'realistic' somewhat but others did make a lot of sense, with United facing a big summer rebuild as the owner continues to press for the squad's average age to be lowered. So we collated some supporters' transfer suggestions into our gallery - which of these would you like to see at Bramall Lane before the window slams shut at the end of this month?
1. Eiran Cashin
The Derby defender has been mentioned previously in connection with United and @LGtheblade was just one fan who wants to see him targeted in January. Young and highly-rated but also nearing the end of his contract and should be in United’s price range as a result…
2. Chris Mepham
The Bournemouth defender was suggested by Blades fan Darren Smith. A Wales international well known to United No.2 Alan Knill, Mepham hasn’t played since coming off the bench a year ago in the Cherries’ draw with Aston Villa
3. Callum O’Hare
After raiding Coventry for Gus Hamer in the summer, could United look at another of his former teammates in O’Hare? The former Villa man is set to become a free agent in the summer as things stand and has impressed for Mark Robins’ men after making his return from an ACL injury
4. Douglas Costa
A more left-field suggestion by @LGtheblade but the Brazilian is a free agent after leaving LA Galaxy and certainly has pedigree, having previously played for Bayern Munich and Juventus and winning 31 caps for Brazil. Realistic? We’ll let you be the judge of that…