Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder remains in the hunt for new signings following transfer twist
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Chris Wilder, the United manager, has until October 16 to recruit extra cover for the injured Jack O’Connell because Kongolo and Ben Davies, who also reportedly features on his short-list, are both attached to Championship clubs.
Scott Parker, United’s next opponents, are also understood to have been monitoring Kongolo’s situation in West Yorkshire after signing the Holland international on loan last season. But Parker suddenly switched his attention to Adarabioyo before last night’s deadline for inter Premier League and overseas transfers, which Wilder hopes will send a message to Kongolo that Bramall Lane is a more desirable destination.
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Hide AdAlthough he has warned it is by no means certain United will be able to make a breakthrough during the present window - the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic forced their owners to revise the recruitment budget placed at his disposal following last season’s ninth placed finish - Wilder will continue to petition for them to remain active in the market after expressing concerns O’Connell could miss the rest of the campaign.
The Liverpudlian, one of United’s most influential performers since Wilder’s appointment in the summer of 2016, had been touted as a future England player before undergoing surgery to correct a long-standing knee problem.
Despite being encouraged by Jack Robinson’s progress since stepping into the breach, Wilder is convinced United require another left-footed centre-half, not only to provide the former Nottingham Forest man with competition but also to limit the disruption caused if he also becomes unavailable for selection.
Davies, whose contract with Preston North End expires at the end of the season, is thought to also feature among the names Wilder and his coaching staff have identified.
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Hide AdUnited are expected to hand their new record signing, ex-Liverpool centre-forward Rhian Brewster, his debut when Fulham make the journey to South Yorkshire following the international break. Brewster has withdrawn from the England under-21 squad preparing for games against Andorra and Turkey in order to focus on his fitness.