As Sheffield United embarked on a fifth straight season in England’s third tier in August, expectations were higher than ever.

With new manager Nigel Adkins in charge and seemingly brimming with positivity, Blades fans thought that they had a genuine chance of storming the league if Adkins could install an attacking mentality, which had been missing under previous manager Nigel Clough.

Fast forward five months, and the Bramall Lane outfit find themselves no closer than before and, in some fans eyes, further away from automatic promotion than ever - 14 points separate them from second placed Gillingham going into the second half of the season.

As Nigel Adkins has already made clear, United have over 40 professionals on the books and player movement looks a certainty in January.

While Adkins has made it clear people will need to leave, he has also stressed the importance of bringing in new players of sufficient quality to propel them up the table.

This article details FIVE players Sheffield United should seriously consider bringing in this window.........

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

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Dan Burn

Courted over the summer as one of the main targets for Adkins to bolster his defence, the Fulham defender found himself back in the team after managerial changes at Craven Cottage.

A defender of tremendous height, good on the floor, and with top flight experience, Burn would represent a real coup for the Blades if the board can convince him to make the journey north.

With another managerial change at Fulham, Adkins will be hoping Burn again finds himself out of favour, giving United the opportunity to swoop.

 

Sam Morsy

With United looking to strengthen across the entire pitch, Sam Morsy at Chesterfield would provide some real quality across the midfield areas.

Morsy has been one of the Spireites' most consistent performers over the past few seasons, earning rave reviews and attracting plenty of attention from the league above.

He has already made 27 appearances this season, contributing four goals and three assists in what has been a solid campaign so far.

He would be an excellent addition to the Blades in what has been seen as a weak area this season.

 

Sam Winnall

If United are serious about promotion, then they will need guaranteed goals. In Sam Winnall, you will almost certainly get that.

The former Scunthorpe striker has been in great form for Barnsley when 100% fit, and would represent a real statement of intent from the Bramall Lane outfit.

He has already hit 10 goals in a struggling side this season, and may see a move further up the league as a step in the right direction.

His excellent finishing ability and sharp movement would make him a superb attacking addition to Nigel Adkins squad.

Lewis McGugan

A controversial suggestion no doubt within the City, but McGugan has found first team chances at Hillsborough limited of late and is due to return from injury shortly.

A player of immense quality and the ability to win a match on his own, he will be frustrated at the lack of opportunities at Sheffield Wednesday.

Although not an obvious choice for a move across the City, he may relish the chance of first team football while not having to alter his daily journey.

 

Conor Chaplin

United have a rich history of producing quality from their academy, so it would seem fitting that they snap up another club's most promising youngsters.

Conor Chaplin from Portsmouth fits that mould.

The 18-year-old attacker has caught the eye this season with his performances and has already managed seven goals in his 22 appearances.

He looks a really exciting prospect, and Blades fans would be delighted to see the club exploring the lower leagues to unearth the next conveyer belt of talent.