Sheffield United have welcomed back out of favour forward Ricky Holmes to their squad.

The former Northampton man was signed by Chris Wilder last season but failed to make an impression in South Yorkshire. However, he has spent this season on loan with Oxford United, and according to the Oxford Mail, Holmes could return to the League One club in the future.

Holmes has returned to Bramall Lane with a back injury which saw him miss the last month at the Kassam Stadium, and manager Karl Robinson has admitted that if Holmes can get fit, he could be of use to the U's in the final weeks of the campaign.

Robinson admitted that the club are in negotiations with the Blades about a different type of contract for Holmes which would see a change in the way his wages are paid.

Holmes is not going to be getting any sort of game time with United at Bramall Lane, with Chris Wilder's men challenging at the top of the Championship, and he will no doubt be keen to make a move away from the club if he can indeed get regular football upon his return.

The Verdict

This makes sense for Holmes, who has almost become a forgotten man at Bramall Lane.

Holmes has talent but his level would appear to be League One, and if he can get fit then he could well help Oxford out in the last few months of the season.