With Sheffield United preparing for life in the Championship next year, the rumour mill is spiralling out of control when regarding the Blades, who look set for a massive summer window.

Walsall pair Neil Etheridge and Jason McCarthy have caught the eye of Blades boss Chris Wilder, according to the Walsall Advertiser.

After an impressive two-year between the sticks at the Banks Stadium, Goalkeeper Etheridge is out of contract in the summer and showed no interest in signing a new deal for the Saddlers.

Subsequently, with Wilder's second choice keeper George Long edging closer to a deal away from Bramall Lane, the addition of  the Philippine international could provide brilliant competition for current number one Simon Moore.

Additionally, United are also among a host of clubs in competition for McCarthy's signature, who has endured a very successful season-long loan spell at Walsall from Southampton.

The 21-year-old defender has received a lot of praise over the past two seasons - obtaining the Wycombe player of the season award during his loan spell at the League Two outfit last term, and has been similarly outstanding with Walsall.

The wing-back would fit perfectly into United's five at the back system, as he has shown similar traits to current Blades wing back's Daniel Lafferty and Kieron Freeman, such as getting forward and an eye for goal.

Where McCarthy ends up next season will be solely down to whether Southampton manager Claude Puel sees a future for him at St Mary's.

If Puel does opt to keep McCarthy, a loan deal down to a Championship side, like United, wouldn't be a surprise.

United targeting Walsall's players shouldn't come as a shock for manager Jon Whitney, due to the fact that the Saddlers are the only team this year to have completed double victories over the League One champions.

Although, past signings from Walsall haven't worked out a success for the Blades in recent years, with Andy Butler, Darryl Westlake and Febian Brandy all failing to impress United's fanbase.

Blades fans...What do you think? Do you think the signings of these two Walsall players would be good business? Is there better options for the Championship out there? Let us know in the comments below!