Both Derby and Sheffield United have a proud history in the Football League, as well as boasting some of the best supporters in terms of consistent numbers.

Close links between the clubs can be made across numerous fronts, going back to the late 90's when Lee Morris made a move from Sheffield to the Midlands, to more recent years and Nigel Clough managing both teams in succession.

Under Clough, the Blades did in fact bring in plenty of faces from the managers time with Derby, including Jay McEveley, John Brayford, and Paul Coutts to name but three.

While both clubs now seem to be having contrasting fortunes, with the Rams set to challenge for promotion through the play offs, and the Blades set to miss out and embark on sixth season in League One, the summer could see more business done between the clubs.

Derby have a squad full of talent and high earners, while the Blades have many players out of contract and may well be looking to bring in some fresh faces.

With this in mind, I have taken a look at FIVE Derby County players who could be a perfect fit at Sheffield United.....

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE DERBY PLAYERS!

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Lee Grant

Lee GrantLee Grantmm

Despite the Blades having George Long in the sticks, who is young enough and talented enough to make the number 1 spot his own for years to come, it is well known at Bramall Lane that another quality keeper is needed.

Mark Howard seems to have been done in by injuries, so signing someone like Grant could be ideal.

Grant would not want to play second fiddle to Long, but it might be what is needed, and an experienced keeper can make all the difference to shore up the entire back line.

The former Owls keeper would be an ideal capture for Nigel Adkins this summer.

Jake Buxton

Jake Buxtonm

The centre half has been out of the team this season and may well find it hard to break the partnership of Shackell and Keogh in the middle of the defence.

Buxton though does have enough to offer a club in League One something, and he should be someone a team like United should be looking to sign.

Solid enough and dominant, he could be ideal at the back for the Blades as they look to rebuild in the summer.

Mason Bennett

Mason BennettMason Bennett

There is one thing that Sheffield United lack, and that is true pace in the side. Barring Che Adams, there is little to offer in the first team in terms of true speed.

Bennett though offers this, and despite being on loan with Burton at the moment, could well be someone who the Blades make a move for.

He was linked with a move to the club under Nigel Clough, only for Steve McLaren to  block it in the end. Bennett would offer United something different though, and if current manager Adkins could manage to get this signing over the line, it would certainly add another dimension to the Blades attack.

Alex Pearce

Alex PearceAlex Pearce

Pearce moved to the Rams in the summer but did not really make any sort of impact, before finding himself out on loan at Bristol City come January.

He has played a key role in helping the Robins climb the table to survival, but has yet to sign a permanent deal with the club.

Pearce would be excellent in League One and could be a real leader for the Blades should he choose not to stay on at Bristol City.

It would be an excellent signing if Adkins could pull it off, and give the fans some real hope that they are heading in the right direction for next year.

Farrend Rawson

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Yes, another defender, but few can argue that United don't need at least two in the summer.

Rawson was excellent during a loan spell with Rotherham this term, before seeing his move cut short when Derby activated a recall clause in his contract.

With Rawson still only 22, it might be another loan move is on the cards, and having already enjoyed a productive spell in South Yorkshire, he might well be keen to make another move in the summer.

Rawson would bring defensive class and calmness to the Blades defence, as well as some much needed height to a squad which too many times has conceded headed goals from set pieces this term.