Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder's transfer window pledge plus his stance on Gus Hamer situation

A difficult summer in the transfer market proved the precursor to United's appalling start to the league season.

For much of that window, the only permanent signings sanctioned were via club owner's COH Sports’ much-discussed artificial intelligence-led recruitment strategy. Speaking in mid-August, then head coach Ruben Selles acknowledged that the window had not been good enough.

Following their wretched opening to the campaign, the Blades had to quickly re-evaluate and their signings count in the second half of August almost reached double figures.

Few can be gauged as qualified successes yet, with the biggest ticks in the box providing to be Wilder-led signings in the shape of free agents Jairo Rieldwald and Patrick Bamford, with the latter named as the Championship's player of the month for December.

In the current market, Wilder is solely concerned in quality and not quantity.

The Blades boss, linked with moves for midfield duo Ross Barkley and Dan Neil, said: "What's the point of bringing players in that are just squad fillers?.

“We're after wins. We want players to up the ante, up the performance levels and provide big competition.

"It's quality over quantity. The squad is bloated at the moment."

So far, Wilder, whose side visit Charlton Athletic on Saturday afternoon, has brought in loan defender Ki-Jana Hoever from Wolves, while Bamford has signed an 18-month deal.

There have been no significant outgoings, although the loans of Ben Godfrey and Louie Barry have been terminated.

Wilder confirmed that fellow loanee Tyler Bindon is staying for the rest of the campaign, with the deadline having now passed regarding when his parent club Nottingham Forest could recall him.

Summer signing Alex Matos is set to move out to Swedish outfit AIK, while speculation continues to persist regarding key midfielder Gus Hamer.

The 28-year-old, the reigning Championship player of the season, has 18 months left on his United deal and has been linked this week with bargain £6m moves to Trabzonspor, Sevilla and Cremonese. Leeds United have also been known admirers in the past.

In an ideal world, Wilder would like to keep Hamer, with preliminary discussions between the club and his representatives having been held regarding an extended deal. But the Blades boss also retains a sense of realism.

He said: "There's been a discussion between Carl Shieber (head of football administration) and his agent.

"So I've not really got involved in that. I think they've opened it up. It's left with them.

"You can (then) see what (the) approach or enthusiasm from Gus is, what his ambitions are and where he sees his future as well.

"The most important thing is looking after the footballer and (that) he produces performances and puts himself in a good position, whether it's here or whether it's his future elsewhere. And that's always a massive thing.

"I want to keep my best players, understanding as well that if somebody doesn't want to be here, then that's a different situation.”