Sheffield United should seal Nottingham Forest transfer along with Kyle Walker | OneFootball

Sheffield United can turn their attention to the summer window early after falling out of play-off contention

Sheffield United may not be in contention for a play-off place at the moment, but this summer offers them the chance to make some strong additions to Chris Wilder’s squad.

The Blades had a miserable start to the season under Ruben Selles, with the Spaniard being dismissed after just five games.

Chris Wilder returned for a third stint as manager just months after he departed following the play-off final loss to Sunderland.

The Yorkshire outfit were aiming to go one step further this year and earn their place back in the Premier League, but it will be a tough ask to achieve that from their current position.

So Sheffield United will likely be turning their attention to the upcoming summer transfer window, and doing so this early in the year could give them an edge on their rivals for next season.

There are already two deals they could start lining up that could give them an even further leg up on the other teams in the Championship, with their sights still firmly set on a Premier League return.

Sheffield United must eye Kyle Walker and Tyler Bindon deals

Both Kyle Walker and Tyler Bindon should be on Sheffield United’s shortlist of transfer targets this summer.

The former has spent the season with Burnley, but it is clear that he is now winding down in his career and the full-back has been open about wanting a return to Bramall Lane before he calls it a day on his time as a player.

The defender is clearly past his best these days, but he still can bring a lot of experience to the Sheffield United dressing room, and his return will be a welcome presence for fans.

He’s also still capable of playing at a Premier League level, having made 28 appearances for Scott Parker’s side this season, even contributing two assists.

Meanwhile, Bindon has spent the year on loan with Sheffield United, and his permanent move to the club would be a very strong move for the club.

The centre-back has made 21 appearances in the league for Wilder’s side, and he has grown into a dependable and consistent option in the starting XI.

He’s made the step up from League One quite well, and he’s proven he’s a second division talent with his performances.

Bindon suits Wilder’s style of play, he’s a very physical defender, but he also is dependable on the ball.

The New Zealand international gets involved at the back, completing 1.56 tackles and 1.51 interceptions per 90, and he wins 61.8 per cent of his aerial duels.

The 21-year-old makes 8.19 clearances and makes 3.82 recoveries per 90, which are all impressive figures for someone of his experience.

He is also comfortable at Bramall Lane, claiming that it feels like home at Sheffield United, so he should be open to staying at the club beyond this season.

Striking the right balance in the summer for Sheffield United

Last summer was a disaster for Sheffield United, with their summer business ultimately making the squad weaker.

Sales of key players like Vini Souza and Anel Ahmedhodzic led to subpar replacements coming in, along with a number of fresh faces that had absolutely zero impact on the team and never even played a single minute.

This summer, the new owners COH Sports must learn from their past mistakes by striking a better balance this year.

Bringing in someone of Walker’s experience while signing a youthful defender like Bindon would be a smart way to go about that.

The Burnley star would add a lot of leadership qualities to the squad, but would only be able to have an impact over one or two years at Bramall Lane.

However, Bindon is still only 21 and he has a lot of bright years ahead of him.

The centre-back has already proven himself as a Championship level performer, and if Nottingham Forest are willing to sell, or even just agree to another loan, then Sheffield United should strike.

He is someone that can grow and develop into a very valuable asset for the club, while Walker has a more immediate impact on the team.