Sheffield United had a good season last year as they finished fifth in the league and competed in the play-offs. 

However, despite their best efforts which saw them take Nottingham Forest to extra time and penalties in the semi-finals, a strong performance from the opposition means the Blades are now preparing for another season in the Championship.

Paul Heckingbottom has made a couple of additions to his side so far this summer but given he is targeting a promotion push for his side again next season, there is still some work to be done in preparation for the new season.

Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that the Blades are interested in signing Reda Khadra from Brighton this summer.

The 21-year-old has made one senior appearances for Brighton so far and last season he was on loan with Blackburn.

The attacking player impressed during his time with the club scoring five goals and assisting three times in 28 appearances in all competitions.

It's worth noting with these stats that he was at times utilised as a wing-back under Tony Mowbray last season which also shows his versatility as a player.

If United are interested in securing this signing though, they will face competition from elsewhere with Alan Nixon also naming Sunderland and Anderlecht as interested parties.

However, Heckingbottom should be pushing to ensure it is his side who get the services of the player for next season.

Not only have United failed to make many signings so far this summer, but following Morgan Gibbs-White's return to parent club Wolves, the club are now also missing a player who was a key part of their side last year.

Gibbs-White scored 12 goals in all competitions for the Blades last season and given Billy Sharp struggled with injury at the end of last season, there is no doubting that they need attacking reinforcements and a creative spark.

Whilst Khadra didn't quite reach the same levels as Gibbs-White last season, as a 21-year-old he has plenty of potential and if he had a full season somewhere he could definitely develop further especially under the management of someone like Paul Heckingbottom.

The 21-year-old already has experience at the top end of the Championship given his time with Blackburn who came close to the top six last year.

It's a position in which United need reinforcements and although Sunderland may be an exciting prospect given they've just come back up to the Championship, United should be using their status as a club that is fighting to be at the top to convince the player.

Furthermore, as it stands, Khadra would look to be a starting player for Heckingbottom given a lack of other options in that spot but this is exactly what he will want as regular game time will only help him develop his game and deliver more goal contributions.