Sheffield United are confident of landing their final transfer target, as Liverpool discuss Rhian Brewster's future at Anfield
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Although Wilder suspects the player concerned, understood to be Liverpool centre-forward Rhian Brewster, will not be allowed to leave his parent club until later this month, he appears confident a deal can be reached before the window closes on October 5 - 48 hours after United are scheduled to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite compiling a list of alternatives targets should his pursuit of Brewster fail - Aston Villa are also monitoring his situation at Anfield - Wilder believes Bramall Lane could prove a more attractive destination for the 20-year-old given the United’s proven track record of developing young talent.
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Hide AdDean Henderson, now back at Manchester United following two seasons on loan in South Yorkshire, matured into one of the country’s finest goalkeepers under the tutelage of Wilder and coach Darren Ward, while Chelsea’s Frank Lampard endorsed Ethan Ampadu’s decision to join United in order to help the Wales international become a first team regular at Stamford Bridge.
“It will most probably be a loan,” Wilder said. “There’s one we’re speaking to at the moment.
“There are players on that list and there’s a pecking order on that one. But we’re confident we can get the one we want to and, if not, we’re confident there will be other players who find Sheffield United an attractive proposition and be within our budget.”
Brewster, a former Chelsea academy player, rose to prominence during a spell on loan with Swansea City last term; scoring 11 times in 22 outings. Although City are hopeful of luring him back to South Wales, playing top-flight football would appear more beneficial to his development.
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Hide AdJurgen Klopp, Wilder's counterpart at Anfield, admitted he has yet to reach a decision on Brewster's future during a media conference designed to discuss Liverpool's meeting with Leeds.
"There's so much going on," Klopp said. "We are really thoughtful about what would be best for his development.
"We don’t have decisions for the squad and positions for which players, but we want to help him."
"There's nothing to say," the German added. "He's our player, a wonderful kid, a big talent.
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Hide Ad"The decisions aren't finished yet. There is so much going on. But we want to help him, yes.”
Speaking ahead of United’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday - their first outing of the new campaign - Wilder expressed himself to be “more than satisfied” with their work over the summer. Ampadu, Oliver Burke, Max Lowe, Jayden Bogle, Wes Foderingham and Aaron Ramsdale could all make their debuts against the visitors from Molineux.
“As ever, we’ve tried to get the maximum out of our budget this window,” Wilder said. “I think we’ve done that.
"We always try to deliver value for money and I believe we've done that, definitely. That’s always the main aim.”