How Sheffield United really feel about signing Harry Gray from Leeds United | OneFootball

The Blades have been linked with a move for the Whites youngster

Sheffield United's chances of making the Championship play-offs for the second season in a row took a major hit on Wednesday night when Chris Wilder's side saw a one-goal lead become a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Norwich City at Carrow Road.

As such, the Blades are currently seven places and eight points adrift of Wrexham with nine matches of their campaign still to play, whilst the Red Dragons and their nearest challengers, Southampton, also have games in hand.

There had previously been a strong confidence at Bramall Lane that the Steel City side could still make a success out of a Championship campaign which started in the most dismal of fashions, having suffered five straight losses at the beginning of the season under Ruben Selles.

Ever since he was reappointed in S2 for the third time, Wilder has got his boyhood club back on an upward curve towards the positions which many believed they would find the Blades in at the end of the regular season, at least.

However, with it looking as though it would take a strong run of form in the campaign's final weeks, coupled with the sides above enduring drastic fall-offs, United may have given themselves too much to do, meaning that planning for next season, at this stage, could give them a desired advantage in the promotion race in 12 months' time.

Wilder had previously made a handful of changes to the squad at his disposal in January, with the likes of Ben Godfrey and Louie Barry seeing their loans terminated, whilst four new faces were recruited in the form of Ki-Jana Hoever, Leo Hjelde, Joe Rothwell and previous England international, Kalvin Phillips.

The 58-year-old has reportedly begun his preparations for the upcoming summer transfer window, which opens in June, and clarity has been provided on two prominent transfer links as a result.

Sheffield United transfer clarity issued on Hull City's Regan Slater and Leeds United's Harry Gray

In a fresh report, local publication, the Sheffield Star, have outlined the club's current stances when it comes to potential deals involving Regan Slater of Hull City and Leeds United's highly-rated prospect, Harry Gray.

It is claimed that United are not actively pursuing a summer move for the aforementioned Gray, who is currently on loan with League One side, Rotherham United, where he has scored twice in 11 outings since moving on loan from Leeds in January.

Beforehand, the younger brother of former Whites midfielder and current Tottenham Hotspur ace, Archie, had made one senior appearance for the West Yorkshire side, which came in a four-minute substitute cameo in the 6-0 rout over Stoke City on Easter Monday 2025 in the club's promotion-clinching encounter.

It has also been reported that Wilder's transfer policy will have a strong focus on bringing in further experience to the Blades squad.

Harry Gray's current Leeds United situation as Sheffield United talk quashed

At 17 years of age, the highly-rated prospect is currently gaining invaluable experience at the New York Stadium despite the Millers' potential of a relegation into League Two for the first time in 13 years.

Gray signed his first long-term professional contract a matter of months ago, further showcasing the potential he is expected to eventually achieve.

Farke previously explained why a move to South Yorkshire in January was the best step in his overall development, although his immediate future at the end of this season remains up in the air.

"It's a chance to show he is physically ready. Once you have then shown you are ready for this level, then you can speak about perhaps Championship. When you have delivered on this level, then you speak about Premier League," said the German.

Despite the current Blades ranks boasting a handful of ex-Whites players, it is unlikely that Gray will be the man who keeps such a trend going next season as Wilder looks to add further firepower beyond the likes of Patrick Bamford, Tyrese Campbell and Tom Cannon.