The Blades are currently outside of the play-off places in League One, and their season looks ever more likely to finish on a downer as another season in the league looms large for 2016/17.

Nigel Adkins has struggled to get his team to put together a run of consistent results, and has shipped out plenty of players, with more expected to follow in the summer.

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However, over the past few months especially, the United manager has redeemed himself somewhat by at least playing some of the promising youngsters from the academy.

The Blades' academy has produced many a name over the years, including Kyle Walker, Phil Jagielka, and Michael Tonge.

It will be an interesting summer to say the least at Bramall Lane, but with Adkins putting his trust in new blood lately, there may actually be some room for optimism going forward.

Here at FLW, we have identified FIVE Sheffield United players who will be top stars next season......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!

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Louis Reed

The youngster made his debut as a 16-year-old under Nigel Clough, and has slowly developed his game and shown he has the potential to become a real top player.

Reed impressed during last season's clash with Tottenham Hotspur, where he didn't look out of place against the likes of Christan Eriksen and Harry Kane, and will be hoping to finish the season strongly and cement a place in the team for next season.

He is still only just 18, but has made close to 40 appearances for the Blades now, and looks set for a long successful career with the club.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Another academy graduate who has recently found himself in the first team, Calvert-Lewin looks ready made to be a top striker at the club.

Athletic, tall, and with a turn of pace about him too, the big striker looks the part. He spent time on loan with League Two high flyers Northampton earlier in the season, and impressed coaching staff there with his attitude and displays.

He looks a dead cert to start next season if he carries on his current path, but will be desperate to get his first goal for the club before the season is out.

Graham Kelly

The young defender has come from nowhere to appear on the bench in recent games, and despite not getting on the field yet, is highly thought of.

Kelly has impressed with his displays for the under 21 team and has now seemingly earned the trust of his manager who sees him as a player who will be part of the first team squad next season.

Kelly will be hoping to get some minutes under his belt before the season finishes, and manager Adkins will look to use him wisely as the season draws to a close.

Ben Whiteman

The classy looking midfield player recently made his full debut against Oldham at Bramall Lane and fans were really impressed with the mature display he put in.

Manager Nigel Adkins has this week praised his attitude, and the under-21 captain looks set for a regular place in the first team going forward.

It is really good to see, and Whiteman looks assured in possession and has an eye for a pass, something the Blades have been missing all season long.

If Whiteman can follow up his initial performances with some more assured efforts in the closing weeks of the season, then it looks like he could be a definite starter for the Blades come next season.

 

Che Adams

Adams is still only 19, but with him being a first team regular it is easy to forget he is still such a young raw talent.

He has hit 8 goals this season though, and is the Blades second highest goalscorer, and with another full season under his belt, he should excel next season if he hits the ground running.

Adams has raw pace, trickery, and a knack for finding the back of the net from nothing. Manager Adkins will be hoping to keep hold of Adams and fend off any Premier League interest which comes his way in the summer.

Blades fans, do you agree? Does the future look bright at the Lane? Who else would you say is in line for a first team chance? Let us know in the comments!!