Paul Heckingbottom has enjoyed a good start to life as permanent manager of Sheffield United.

The Blades started the season poorly under Slavisa Jokanovic, but the 44-year old has turned the side into a play-off contending team.

But United are now firmly in the hunt for a top six finish with only a few games remaining in their season.

It would be quite the turnaround from where the team was in the early stages of the campaign if they were to secure promotion.

The team has only been in the Championship for one season since their relegation from the top flight last year.

United were comfortably bottom of the Premier League throughout their second season back in the competition.

Heckingbottom even took temporary charge of the team for a number of games for United during their stint back in the league following the dismissal of Chris Wilder midway through the campaign.

But here are seven players who could part ways from Bramall Lane this summer…

McGoldrick’s contract with the club is set to expire at the end of the season, which could signal the end of his time with United.

The Irish forward has struggled with injury this campaign and is perhaps starting to feel the effects of a long career in the game.

Of his 19 league appearances for the Blades this season, only nine have come from the start.

If McGoldrick wants to return to playing consistently in a team then perhaps his smartest move would be to look to change clubs in the summer.

Basham’s time at Bramall Lane could also be set to come to an end this summer as his contract only has a few weeks remaining.

The 33-year old has spent eight seasons with the club, but his importance to the side has waned in recent months.

The defender has played 25 times in the league this season and has fallen down the pecking order of the team.

If Basham wants more consistent game time then perhaps a move away from the Blades will be on the cards this summer.

 

Osborn has enjoyed three successful seasons with Sheffield United, but he could be set to depart the club this summer.

The 27-year old’s contract expires in June and there is yet to be any agreement over an extension between the club and the player.

He has only started 18 league games this season, so may believe he can earn more consistent game time elsewhere.

The Englishman has been a useful player for the team during his time at Bramall Lane, but his importance has waned in recent months.

Robinson’s contract is also set to expire in June which could signal the end of his time with the Blades.

The 28-year old has played only 24 times for the club this season in the Championship so may seek more consistent minutes elsewhere, whether in the Championship or maybe even abroad.

The Englishman has never quite been able to nail down a place in the United side in his three seasons with the club, so a move away may be the best decision for all parties involved.

Berge has been linked with a move away from Bramall Lane this summer, with the likes of Spanish side Sevilla said to be interested in the midfielder.

In two and a half-seasons as a United player, Berge has become an important member of the team.

That has seen his stock rise across Europe, which has led to the likes of Sevilla keeping tabs on his future.

It would be difficult for the Norway international to turn down the opportunity to play in La Liga should a firm offer come his way.

Baldock has also been linked with a move away from Sheffield United, with Greek side Olympiacos reportedly competing with Celtic to earn his signature.

The 29-year old has enjoyed five successful seasons at Bramall Lane and played a key role in the side which earned promotion to the Premier League with Wilder in 2019.

But if the Blades fail to earn promotion under Heckingbottom this campaign then it would be difficult for him to turn down the opportunity to move to a club competing in European competitions.

Gordon has a promising future ahead of his career at only the age of 19-years old.

The youngster has not quite been able to breakthrough into the side this season, but a loan move away from the club could give him the experience he needs to prove to Heckingbottom that he is ready to compete at this level.

The defender has already played five Championship games this campaign, but will need more consistent playing time to continue his development as a player.