Sheffield United will be aiming to secure promotion back to the Premier League this season.

The Blades narrowly missed out on promotion from the Championship last campaign.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side finished 5th in the table, securing a play-off place.

But over their two legs against Nottingham Forest, a penalty shootout proved decisive for Steve Cooper’s side.

Defeat has left United preparing for life in the second division once again.

This will be the team’s second campaign back in this tier of English football, having previously spent two terms in the top flight under Chris Wilder.

Managing squad turnover through the summer will be key to the team’s chances this year.

Players such as Morgan Gibbs-White have returned to their parent clubs after impressive seasons at Bramall Lane.

But high profile names like Ciaran Clark have also arrived to bolster the squad’s defensive options.

Here are eight current free agents Sheffield United should definitely consider… 

Delph would bring bags of elite level Premier League experience having played a role in Pep Guardiola’s league winning Manchester City side.

The midfielder would also be a good option to have in the squad in case of injuries and he should be more than capable of competing at a high level still in the Championship.

With Sander Berge’s future also uncertain, having the 32-year old available would bolster their options in the event of a sale.

Goalkeeper has been a difficult position for United to nail down in recent years since the departures of Dean Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale.

Wes Foderingham stepped up well last season between the sticks, but Smithies could offer him the kind of competition that he needs to remain sharp.

The former Cardiff City shot stopper would be great competition and could even step up to take the first choice mantle in the team if called upon.

Sheffield United have good central options in defence but, because of their use of the back three system, there can never be too many bodies to choose from.

Cahill also, of course, brings in a lot of experience having played at the highest level for much of his career.

While his usefulness on the pitch may be waning, his presence in the dressing room could be a great asset for United to have in a potential promotion bid this season.

The midfielder could add some depth to United’s midfield having departed Norwich following the expiration of his most recent contract.

The 31-year old has Premier League and Bundesliga experience he could bring to Heckingbottom’s side.

He has also played the role of a squad player quite well for the Canaries so should be comfortable if he has reduced minutes with the Blades.

He would also likely not require massive wage demands, which makes this a reasonably risk free option for the club.

The former West Ham and West Brom winger proved a useful asset to rivals Luton Town last season in their pursuit of promotion.

The Scot could provide a similar use to Heckingbottom, who could use the extra strength in depth in attack following the departure of Gibbs-White.

While he should not be leaned on as a regular starter, he could fill a gap in the team when rotation is needed, or if a key attacking player is out of action due to injury.

The former Nottingham Forest striker has turned down the option to remain with the club upon their promotion to the Premier League.

A stint back in the Championship makes more sense if he intends to play more regularly next season.

He scored 12 goals in a successful season for the Reds last year and played an important role in helping Steve Cooper’s side charge through the table.

As an option from the bench, there are worse ways to strengthen the team for United than by bringing in the 34-year old.

The midfielder was unable to make much of an impact in Marco Silva’s squad last season as Fulham earned promotion to the Premier League.

But Mawson could be a useful presence to have in the dressing room for United this campaign.

The 28-year old still has plenty to offer and is a more than capable player in the right system.

Heckingbottom has shown he can get a tune out of players, and if he could find the right way to manage Mawson then he would have a very good squad player on his hands.

Barbet would be a great addition to Sheffield United’s squad for next season.

The former QPR player was a crucial part of the side, playing 41 games for Mark Warburton in 2021-22.

The Frenchman would be comfortable in a back three and could take on a role in the team quite easily.

Considering United’s struggles with injury late last season, adding this kind of strength in depth should be seen as a big aim this summer.