Sheffield United urged to sign former Ipswich Town and Southampton players | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has outlined his desired signings ahead of 24/25

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United are poised for a summer of change as the 2024/25 campaign awaits.

The Blades could well be under fresh ownership soon, but the financial purse-strings remain firmly tight for the time being and have limited them to making just one signing - Jamie Shackleton from Leeds United - since making an immediate return back down from the Premier League in May.

It's pretty clear that Chris Wilders needs further faces at his disposal if he is to roll back the years and lead yet another promotion charge at Brammall Lane, an ambition that feels far-fetched considering the current state of play at the club.

Matt Ritchie has been mooted as their latest target after his recent release marked the conclusion of an eight-year association with Newcastle United, but there are also some theoretical signings firmly on the minds of supporters too.

Sheffield United urged to make transfer advances for Vaclav Hladky and Stuart Armstrong

They require reinforcement between the sticks and in attacking midfield - and Football League World's resident Blades fan pundit Owain Wyse believes that he's identified the remedies for both problem positions.

Owain has cited Vaclav Hladky as a strong potential signing for United this summer, with the 33-year-old now on the free agent market just two months after manning the sticks all season in Ipswich Town's remarkable promotion to the Premier League.

"I'd be looking at Vaclav Hladky, I think he's an excellent goalkeeper and I was very surprised when he left Ipswich," Owain told Football League World.

"Goalkeeper is a weak spot at the moment and Hladky would certainly provide a huge upgrade on both Ivo Grbic and Adam Davies, so I'd be looking to bring him in if wages weren't an issue and we were to miss out on other goalkeeping targets like Mike Cooper.

Owain is also keen to see more creativity in the middle of the park and has mentioned Stuart Armstrong as a desired candidate, although he feels such a move is unlikely.

"I also really like Stuart Armstrong, he's become a free agent after leaving Southampton recently," he continued. "As a player, I think he's excellent, he could provide us with good depth in that attacking midfield - Mark Duffy if you like - role in Wilder's preferred formation.

"I'd be looking to bring him in, I think wages could be an issue and I could probably see him moving on to play in Scotland, possibly with Celtic, so I doubt we'd get him but if the opportunity arose I would be looking into him."

Hladky and Armstrong would be the signings that can help United outline their promotion credentials heading into the new campaign, but Owain has also emphasised the importance of retaining Oli McBurnie amid the uncertain current contractual situation.

Oli McBurnie/Sheffield United verdict given

"Another free agent I'd absolutely love for us to keep is Oli McBurnie, according to the statement that the club released we're still in talks with him, and it's reported he's still training with us," Owain added.

"I definitely think we should be giving him a new deal. In the last couple of years, McBurnie has grown into a real leader in the squad and his performances in the Championship promotion season under (Paul) Heckingbottom and when he's been fit this year have been the best he's shown in a Blades shirt.

"I really rate McBurnie and I hope we can find a resolution to the discussions."

Sheffield United must retain Oli McBurnie if possible

It's easy to see why Owain is so eager for McBurnie's services to be retained, as the ex-Swansea and Barnsley frontman possesses real pedigree at this level and should be among the leading goalscorers next term - should he stay in the Championship, of course - if he remains fully-fit.

McBurnie earned his shot at the Premier League by scoring 22 times for Swansea City in 2018/19 and fired 13 in to help United get back there the season before last, and still has plenty to offer at the age of 28.