O'Brien in, Davies out: The dream start to Sheffield United's summer transfer window | OneFootball

The Blades have already had their relegation to the Championship confirmed with multiple games spare.

The Yorkshire outfit will finish bottom of the table, and make an immediate return to the second tier after just one year in the top flight.

Chris Wilder will already be planning for life back in the Championship, with the club looking to build a team capable of going straight back up again within the next 12 months.

The summer transfer window will provide the club with an opportunity to make improvements to the first team squad ahead of their return to the second division.

Here we look at two moves Sheffield United could make to get off to a dream start to the transfer window…

In: Lewis O'Brien

According to Alan Nixon, Sheffield United are interested in signing Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest this summer.

The midfielder has spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Middlesbrough, who are also reportedly keen on retaining the 25-year-old.

Preston North End have also been mentioned as a side with an interest in the player ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

O’Brien would be a solid addition to Wilder’s side and would signify the beginning of their rebuild after a disastrous year in the top flight.

The midfielder has been surplus to requirements at the City Ground, and the Reds will likely need to raise funds in order to comply with the Premier League’s financial rules.

So this is a deal that could be done at an affordable price, which may also suit the Blades.

It’s unclear just how much money the Yorkshire club will have to spend in the summer, so targeting someone like O’Brien makes sense.

The Nottingham Forest player has plenty of Championship experience, having been a key figure for Huddersfield Town during their run to the play-off final in 2022.

While the challenge of Boro may prove tricky, winning the race to O’Brien’s signature ahead of the Teesside outfit is still doable, and their recent Premier League pedigree may even help swing the tussle in their favour.

Out: Tom Davies

Tom Davies was signed last summer from Everton following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

However, the midfielder simply hasn’t been good enough and has contributed to Sheffield United’s relegation from the top flight.

The 25-year-old is a sellable asset that could still generate revenue in the transfer market, which the club may need in order to raise funds for their own budget.

Davies has been unable to make an impact at Bramall Lane, and still has two years remaining on his contract.

Cashing in on him already might be a smart move, as it would also allow Wilder to rebuild the midfield and allow room for someone like O’Brien to come in.

Injuries have also been a big issue for Davies, which is a concern the club will not want to deal with in the Championship where games are coming thick and fast.

If they can generate interest in him this summer, then it would be worth their time to offload the ex-Everton youngster.