According to the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United are to step up their search for defensive reinforcements, after losing Richard Stearman to injury.  

Stearman was perhaps Chris Wilder’s standout signing of the summer, and when the defender’s arrival from Fulham was announced, it was revealed that he was the Blades’ number one target.

However, the 29-year-old picked up an injury in just his third appearance for the Blades, against Cardiff City last night.

Stearman’s injury has forced Wilder to look back in the transfer market for defensive reinforcements, with the Blades’ need now greater than ever, with just over two weeks of the window remaining.

The Blades are known admirers of Conor Coady, but Wolverhampton Wanderers have insisted that the defender is not for sale, after an impressive start to the Sky Bet Championship season.

Darragh Lenihan is another of Wilder’s targets, but so far he has not been able to lure the defender away from Blackburn Rovers.

Wilder’s side have had a mixed start to their Championship return, having picked up three-points from their opening three fixtures of the season.

Cardiff’s victory over the Blades last night handed Wilder’s side back-to-back disappointments, following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Wilder’s side now finish the month with three fixtures at Bramall Lane, as Barnsley and Derby County visit in the Championship and Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.

The Verdict  

It has been a tough initiation for Wilder’s side back in the Championship, but the Blades will be reasonably pleased with their start to the season.

Defeats to Boro and Cardiff are nothing to be ashamed of, with both clubs starting the 2017/18 campaign well.

However, two defeats from three fixtures, and a worrying injury to Stearman, will force Wilder to look for reinforcements over the next two weeks.

A new defender is certainly a priority between now and the end of the summer.

Sheffield United fans… Let us know your thoughts!