According to the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United are willing to sell James Hanson this summer, to increase their own transfer budget.

Chris Wilder is still looking to add to his squad this summer, as he looks to increase the Blades’ chance of survival in the Sky Bet Championship.

Reports now suggest that Wilder is willing to sell Hanson, who only arrived at Bramall Lane back in Janaury, when he signed for an undisclosed fee from Bradford City.

Hanson still has two-years remaining on his deal in Sheffield, but his opportunities are beginning to look limited already this season, with Wilder not picking the striker in any Championship fixture so far.

Scunthorpe United are one club that are interested in signing Hanson, but the Sheffield United striker is also attracting interest from Mansfield Town, with Steve Evans keen to add to his options in League Two.

Wilder is willing to sacrifice the 29-year-old, with hope his sale will bolster his own transfer budget, allowing him to strengthen his squad over the next two weeks.

One area Wilder is looking to strengthen is defence, after Richard Stearman was injured during Tuesday’s clash with Cardiff City.

Conor Coady and Darragh Lenihan are two players currently on Wilder’s radar, but he has made no progress in his quest to sign the duo from Wolverhampton Wanderers or Blackburn Rovers respectively.

The Verdict

Hanson’s Championship opportunities are looking limited this season, with the big striker only featuring in the Carabao Cup so far in the 2017/18 campaign.

Billy Sharp, Leon Clarke and Ched Evans are all ahead of Hanson in Wilder’s plans, and a move away could prove to be best for both player and club.

Hanson needs regular football, which he is likely to find in League One or Two, whilst the Blades could do with the extra money to add some quality to their squad, after a challenging start to the Championship season.

Sheffield United fans… Let us know your thoughts!