Sheffield United set wheels in motion to keep Patrick Bamford and Jairo Riedewald

Both joined as free agents during the season on contracts which are due to expire in January.

Bamford is three games into his Blades career, Riedewald eight, but both have had a big impact on and off the field.

"There's been contact, first of all, from myself to the player – do you want to?" confirmed manager Chris Wilder. "And I believe they're all over coming (back) and why shouldn't they be?

"They've been outstanding. I've been delighted with the contributions of both of the guys.

"I personally don't want to lose both of those guys. So, it's up to us now to find a common ground with those boys.

"In terms of (contract) length and in terms of, obviously, the details of the contract.

"(Chief executive) Stephen Bettis is working hard. The board have backed it as well. I think they understand the importance of the two boys and the contributions they've already made.

"I certainly don't want to put all the work that we've put into them and lose these guys in January.

"Unfortunately, that might be the case if somebody comes over the top of us and blows us out of the water but we're confident that we can get a deal done with both the guys and their immediate and medium-term future is with us as a football club."

Oliver Arblaster is "pretty close" to a first-team return from anterior cruciate knee ligament damage after playing in a behind-closed-doors game against Liverpool.

"He's getting there, pretty close," said Wilder. "He'll play his football, it's just a matter of timing, really.

"But he's ticked every box on his rehab and I'm delighted that he's back amongst us. Just even watching him integrate into the group."