Sheffield United released their retained list at the end of last week, with 21 players potentially looking for new clubs after 10 were released, loans expired, and others were transfer listed.

It was a signal of intent from Chris Wilder and the club, as they look to move into a new era, no doubt with the purse strings a bit tighter than in previous seasons.

With so many players going out, the Blades will inevitably need new squad members, and will no doubt be freeing up a huge amount of wages with the outgoings.

Wilder will no doubt have already identified some targets, with a few players being linked from his old club Northampton Town, as well as some more regularly mentioned names who seem to appear each transfer window.

With this in mind, FLW writer Lee Connor takes a look at FIVE players Sheffield United can't afford to miss out on this summer.....

[ffc-gallery]

PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE TRANSFERS!

wildermnc

[/ffc-gallery]

 

Ryan Tafazoli

mitremitremxbs

Quite an obvious name to mention if you read the Blades forums, but Tafazoli is one player who is expected to join the Blades in the coming weeks.

One of the standout players for Mansfield last season, the centre half would represent a signing in a position where the Blades were weak last season.

At 24, he has enough experience behind him now to make the step up to a higher league, and would be just the sort of player Blades fans would welcome with open arms.

If they do somehow miss out on him, then it would represent a real set back in Wilder's recruitment plans.

 

Dean Cox

Dean Cox

The Leyton Orient man may well not want to leave, but with a year left on his contract and a proven record in League One, he could be an excellent signing for United.

He has recently returned from a long term injury, so would represent a slight risk, but at 28 and bringing goals from midfield, he would be ideal.

Cox was a standout player when Orient made a run at the League One play offs a few seasons ago, so the Blades would be getting a seasoned performer at League One level. He would be an excellent signing indeed.

Ricky Holmes

Ricky HolmesRicky Holmesd

It would not surprise anyone if Wilder revisited his old club for a few players, and Holmes stands out as the one he is most likely to go for.

Holmes was one of the standout performers as Northampton raced to the League Two title, with a plethora of goals and assists to his name.

The Blades lacked goals from midfield last season, and it is an area what needs addressing. Holmes fits the bill perfectly as he can play both up top and drop deeper into midfield roles, and despite telling Northampton fans last season he would stay, it will be hard for him to say no if Wilder and the Blades come knocking.

George Moncur

moncurrr

Long courted under former manager Nigel Adkins, Moncur could be available at a snip following Colchester's relegation to League Two.

Moncur was the standout performer in an otherwise poor Colchester side, helping himself to double figures for goals, including a goal at Bramall Lane against the Blades.

He would be an excellent addition, a real threat coming from the midfield, and is someone Chris Wilder will no doubt be aware of given his knowledge of the lower leagues.

Gordon Greer

Gordon GreerGordon Greer

The experienced centre half has been mentioned a few times, and could be ideal for Sheffield United in League One.

In the twighlight of his career he might be, but Greer would bring experience and class to a leaky Blades defence which shipped far too many easy goals last term.

Brighton will be thinking big for next term, which means Greer is looking for a new club after being released last week, despite playing during the play off matches with Sheffield Wednesday.

If the Blades could pull this one off, it would represent a real coup.

Blades fans, this is only five, but who else would you like to see? What positions are key? Let us know your thoughts!