Sheffield United Looking at Forward Reinforcements For January But Former Blade’s Availability Now in Doubt | OneFootball

With the New Year just around the corner, this also means the January transfer window is edging closer to opening. And despite Sheffield United currently occupying top spot in the Championship, a couple of signings wouldn’t go amiss to strengthen the depth of their current squad, which is being tested to the maximum.

On Saturday afternoon, the Blades were second best against Plymouth Argyle, but managed to grind out a 2-0 result. This game saw an inexperienced Ryan Oné lead the line, whilst United also lacked experienced midfield options off the bench due to the injury to Vinicius Souza. Additionally, the versatile Jamie Shackleton was forced to play right-wingback in the second half because of the injury to Femi Seriki.

Indeed, United do have two loan slots available to use in the January transfer window, and you’d expect them to fully utilise these to bolster the squad in attack areas, and midfield, especially with Oliver Arblaster likely being out for the remainder of the season.

STOCKPORT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Louie Barry of Stockport County looks on during the Sky Bet League One match between Stockport County FC and Wrexham AFC at Edgeley Park on November 16, 2024 in Stockport, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Sheffield United Linked With Two Versatile Attackers

Already, we have seen Sheffield United being linked with a number of players. One of those is 21-year-old the on loan Stockport County forward Louie Barry. Barry, who can play as a wide player from the left, or as a fluid number ten, has continued his impressive trajectory this season, scoring 14 times and producing an assist in 20 League One appearances.

According to The Star, the Blades are among a number of Championship clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United, that are extremely keen on the promising youngster. With a superb start to the League One season, perhaps his parent club Aston Villa will recall him in the New Year and provide him with an even bigger test, a loan move to a Championship promotion-hopeful club.

Another forward that can play wide on the left, or down the middle, is the out-of-favour Southampton man Ben Brereton-Diaz. Of course, the Chilean international had a very successful loan spell with United last term, netting six times and adding an assist in 14 Premier League games, and this prompted the Saints to sign him in the summer. However, he has only made ten appearances, with six of them being off the bench.

According to respected journalist Alan Nixon, United’s potential new owners are ready to fund a permanent deal or a loan move to bring Brereton-Diaz back to the club in January. But, a spanner may yet be thrown into the works regarding his availability. With the recent sacking of Russell Martin, any incoming Southampton manager will likely want to analyse the current players which, for the time being, will cast doubt over the former Blade’s availability.