Chris Wilder has already been active in the summer transfer window, even without it officially opening yet, strengthening areas of his Sheffield United squad ahead of their return to the Sky Bet Championship in August.

Ched Evans and Nathan Thomas have been signed to add to the Blades’ attacking options, whilst Enda Stevens has been brought in to compete for the left-back berth.

Reports suggest that Wilder will be looking to target a central-defender in the coming weeks, and one player who has been linked with a move to Bramall Lane is Ryan Bennett, after the experienced defender was released by Norwich City earlier this month.

Despite holding talks with the Blades, Bennett is on his way to Wolverhampton Wanderers, to link-up with the recently appointed Nuno Espirito Santo at Molineux.

Failure to sign Bennett is undoubtedly a blow for Wilder, however, the links with the 27-year old show that the Blades are identifying the correct targets ahead of their return to the Championship.

Wilder’s squad were exceptional last season in League One, but they must bring in some Championship experience in the coming months if they are to compete with the elite in the second-tier.

Stevens, Thomas and Evans are all good players, and have the potential to develop into excellent pieces of business from Wilder, but the Blades must recruit some experience between now and September.

Despite apparent failure to sign Bennett, Blades fans must be encouraged by the calibre of player Wilder is looking to sign, showing that the club will not just be making up the numbers in the Championship next season.