Sheffield United are sitting in eighth position in the League One table at the moment, but remain five points off the play-off spots after an inconsistent and frustrating January both on and off the field.

Nigel Adkins admitted to failing in the transfer market, and that he may well turn to the loan market to look for players to improve his playing staff.

The Blades have had no problem finding the net this season, especially with striker Billy Sharp and youngster Che Adams finding the net on plenty of occasions, but they have lacked steel at the back and in midfield, while another goal scorer or creative player would not go amiss.

One team United could look to is West Ham United, who have a squad rich with talent and have an impeccable record of producing young players - such as Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, and Joe Cole to name but a few.

Here at Football League World, we take a look at THREE West Ham players the Blades could look to sign on loan......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE THREE PLAYERS!

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Darren Randolph

Goalkeeping has often been cited as an area which could be improved by Blades fans, with Mark Howard suffering from a suspect back injury and young George Long dividing opinion on the stands.

Randolph is a keeper with bags of experience, and with the Hammers choosing Adrian as their regular number 1, with young Raphael Spiegel as back up too, Randolph could well be tempted away.

The move would be idea for both parties, and at 28, Randolph has plenty of experience while still having his prime ahead of him no doubt.

The former Motherwell man made over 90 appearances for Birmingham before joining the Hammers and playing second fiddle to Adrian, and could well be tempted by a move North.

Amos Nasha

The 20-year-old midfielder has been in the development squad with the Hammers for a few seasons now and will be desperate to go and find some first team football, after tasting it briefly during the Europa League with his hometown club earlier in the season.

Able to play centre midfield, but also operate at the back across all the positions, he could be a real coup for Sheffield United and bring in some much needed quality to the first 11.

Nasha has been a regular fixture for the under 21 side at Upton Park, making 10 appearances already. It may well be that he just needs a chance in a first team environment in order to flourish.

George Dobson

Another midfield player who is extremely highly rated at Upton Park, Dobson signed for the Hammers in the summer of 2015, joining from Arsenal.

He was captain of the Gunners youth set up, and has been a regular in the West Ham under-21 side this season, standing out with his performances on a weekly basis.

The 18-year-old is still to taste first team action but could definitely make the drop to League One and no doubt impress.

Blades manager Nigel Adkins could do far worse than take a look at Dobson.