'Difficult scenario' - Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder issues update on work to sign free agent target
The latest on Sheffield United’s pursuit of an unnamed free agent from Chris Wilder
Sheffield United need to move a player on before they can add a free agent to their ranks, manager Chris Wilder has revealed.
An unattached player has been lined up by the Blades, who were hoping to get him through the door in time to feature against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow (September 8).
However, the need to get a body off the books has created a “difficult scenario” for the Championship outfit.
Chris Wilder on free agent target
As reported by The Star, Wilder said: “We're working really hard. There are two scenarios. We have to move one of the players out, which is becoming a problem because he's at the moment part of the 25-man squad that we've inherited, a player that I inherited.
“So that's becoming a difficult scenario and situation. But hopefully we've found a solution to that and we'll bring a player in. I’m not being negative, but I think you understand that the market for a particular player, especially a forward, is a very small one.
“But we feel we've found somebody that can add to us, add to the group, add versatility, availability, experience as well. We've got enough young players in the team; the balance of the team has got to be right and quality, ability.
“So we feel that we've got somebody that can help us out this season. But it all depends on if we can move a player out of the building, to register the player that we're interested in
“It's all dependent on the player going out. If the player doesn't go out and some more windows shut, then we won't be able to do anything.”
‘Fingers crossed’
The Star have suggested winger Ehije Ukaki is the surplus-to-requirements player in question, although may not be the only one seeking pastures new. Nils Zatterstrom is out of the picture at Bramall Lane and has been linked with Polish outfit Raków Częstochowa, who have not yet seen their transfer window close.
Wilder saw some of his most valued squad members depart over the course of the summer and the sale of playmaker Callum O’Hare to Wrexham on deadline day was a bitter blow..
Sheffield United’s boss is therefore keen to see the current situation resolved so he can provide his attack with a much-needed boost.
He said: “It’s just the squad size. I think we'll be okay financially with the business that we've done this season, but still we won't overpay for a player. But it's more squad numbers.
“As I said, it's something that's in the way at the moment. Fingers crossed it isn't, because that would be a disappointing situation. But at the moment, everybody's working hard to move a player out and hopefully we'll get some good news this afternoon.”