Chris Wilder has said that Ched Evans remains a part of his plans though a loan deal for the striker may be still be sanctioned this summer.

The 29-year-old striker only really featured fleetingly for the Blades last season with Billy Sharp and Leon Clarke among the players in front of him in the pecking order at the club.

You'd think, then, that Wilder might be open to letting him go permanently this summer if an offer came in but it looks as though the forward is still a part of his plans.

Indeed, as quoted by the Sheffield Star, he said:

“We are still looking at Ched’s situation.

"There is a thought process that he needs to play 20 games between now and Christmas. There might be a situation, like David Brooks, where he comes back and goes straight in. He wants to play and, if he comes back how we feel he might come back, then that’s great for us all. But if he does go out on loan, it’s no disrespect to him.”

Wilder still sees a future for Evans at the club, then, but it's clear that he wants the forward to get more minutes under his belt.

And, if he can't get that at Bramall Lane, there's a good chance a loan deal could be sanctioned before the end of the window.

The Verdict

A loan deal for Evans might make perfect sense.

He's clearly a player that Wilder feels he can get performances from but he needs to get his fitness and match-sharpness built up.

A loan deal until Christmas could be wise, then, and it remains to be seen if the Blades can arrange such a move.

Thoughts, Blades fans? Let us know below!