Sheffield United have failed to win in their previous two games which has seen them fall slightly off the fast pace at the top of the Championship.
The Blades are now three points behind second placed Cardiff City and seven behind leaders Wolves after picking up just one point from their previous two home games.
An amazing 5-4 defeat at home to Fulham, where Chris Wilder’s men almost clawed back a three goal deficit, was followed up by a disappointing draw at home to lowly Birmingham City.
It’s no coincidence that these results have come in the two games that United have missed influential midfielder Paul Coutts. The 29-year old suffered a horrific leg break in the win at Burton Albion prior to those two games and will miss the rest of the season.
Therefore, even though the Blades have been heavily linked with centre-back John Egan in recent weeks (Daily Mirror reports on page 48 of its printed edition on Monday), a move for midfielders will also be a high priority for Wilder in January. Here we look at two players he should consider…
Ryan Leonard
Sheffield United made a big play for the Southend man in the summer but the move didn’t materialise, despite the fact Leonard was approaching the final year of his contract.
The Shrimpers stood firm and wanted the influential player to lead a promotion charge, however, things haven’t exactly gone to plan so far this season.
Phil Brown’s men are in the bottom half of the table and the prospect of still getting a fee for Leonard will mean that have to consider offers in the summer before he departs for free in the summer.
And, with the Blades need for a midfielder pressing, they won’t want to wait, so a deal looks pretty straightforward in the winter window. He could handle the step up with ease and has the talent on the ball to fit in with Wilder’s style.
Maikel Kieftenbeld
The Birmingham man is somehow still a Blues player after paperwork prevented a deadline day move to Derby in the summer.
And, whilst he has settled back in well at St. Andrew’s and there’s a new manager around, a move to Sheffield would surely appeal given the difference in position between the two sides.
Kieftenbeld would bring a solidity to the Blades and whilst his range of passing is limited in comparison to Coutts, he has many more qualities.
The Dutchman is a reliable player and can be the perfect platform for more attacking midfielders to flourish, such as David Brooks.
He has a great work ethic that would suit the way Wilder plays and shouldn’t command a big fee. The only problem would be the competition they face for his signature, if Blues were happy to sanction a sale.
Thoughts, Blades fans? Let us know in the comments below.