The Blades are set to embark on arguably their biggest summer in years in the next few months, as the squad is set for a major overhaul with players being out of contract and plenty of players being touted for moves to Bramall Lane.

Manager Nigel Adkins still finds himself in the managerial hot seat, despite many fans calling for his head, and it looks as if he will be the one to lead the Blades into next season.

As at least 10 players are set to be released from the club, and others will be looking over their shoulders as they wait to find out whether they will be offered new deals or not.

With this thought in mind, it is important that Adkins identifies the right targets in the transfer market, as well ensuring he keeps the players in his squad who are already capable of playing to the standard required to achieve promotion.

So, here, in the opinion of FLW writer Lee Connor, is the dream XI for Sheffield United next season, set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.....

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE DREAM SHEFFIELD UNITED XI!

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GK - George Long

While many fans can put an argument forward as to why Long should not play, for me, he needs to be in the sticks and keep building on what is already a really promising career.

Long is still only 22, but has made well in excess of 100 appearances already for the Blades.

United need some consistency, and starting with the goalkeeper, it might be the best way forward for the first 11 if they are to get the results needed.

RB - John Brayford

The former Derby right back was unlucky as he suffered a serious injury towards the end of last season, which kept him out until almost Christmas this season.

I am of the opinion he was somewhat rushed back, and with a good pre season behind him, he could well get back to the standards which made him such a fan fave previously.

Brayford is easily one of the best players in the squad, he just needs to get full confidence back and rediscover some form.

 

CB - Alex Baptiste

Currently on loan with United, the Blades could do with making this one a permanent transfer.

He has been excellent since coming into the team, and despite suffering serious injury, has shown little sign of that catching up with him as he has delivered a string of fine displays.

It would be a real coup if they could pull off the signing, and be a nice way to start the summer for fans, knowing that the club is showing some ambition in the market.

 

CB - Chris Basham

 

Basham is not everyone's cup of tea, that is for sure, but at centre half, I really think he is good enough to cope with League One and be solid.

He wins balls in the air, is strong in the tackle, and is fully committed to the cause. If paired with someone like Baptiste, then it could really bring the best out of him and be a shrewd move by Nigel Adkins.

Basham is a player who always gives his all no matter what position he plays in, something which has gone down very well with supporters, and few would argue with seeing him somewhere in the line up next term.

LB - Rico Henry

It might seem a long shot, but this is a dream 11, so why not include the young left back in this team?

If the Blades are serious about promotion, they more than have the resources and funds at their disposal to try and convince Henry to move from Walsall.

Henry has been courted  by teams in the higher leagues, but there is no reason why United cannot at least try and make a move for him, especially if Walsall end up missing out on promotion on the final day.

RW - Che Adams

Adams has been mainly employed as an out and out striker this season, and it has worked as he has managed double figures during his first full season in the League.

However, Adams has the pace and skill to be an excellent player on the right hand side, and I think he should be employed there if the Blades can get someone else up top.

It is testament to Adams really in that I think he can play any of the attacking positions, but on the right, I feel he can cause a lot of damage.

CM - Kevin McDonald

As I eluded to him in a previous article about players the Blades could sign, McDonald makes it into this team.

If United could sign him, then promotion could well be on the cards and it would be a real crowd pleaser.

He will be on high wages, but if United could convince him to maybe take a cut and also drop back down a division to his old club, they will have a real player on their hands.

CM - Ben Whiteman

The first team squad is expected to be made up of plenty of young homegrown talent next term, and Whiteman is someone who fits this bill exactly.

Although Louis Reed has made more appearances, many feel Whiteman looks the more equipped to take the league by storm next term.

He has the athleticism and build already which is needed to compete at this level, and has shown enough in the glimpses we have seen of him so far to suggest the Blades have unearthed yet another young gem.

LW - Ryan Kent

Another player who was touted for a loan move during January, Kent was excellent during a spell with Coventry City earlier this term.

He is unlikely to get much of a chance at Liverpool in the coming seasons, with Jurgen Klopp likely to add a string of new faces to the squad.

Kent should make a move to further his career, and moving to Sheffield United could well be an excellent choice for the youngster.

Att Mid - Jack Payne

The little Southend playmaker has been excellent all season long, and with his contract due to expire, is sure to attract a host of admirers in the summer.

The Blades should be one of these clubs, and he has the creativity and trickery needed at this level to unlock defences.

In behind Billy Sharp, he could be an excellent player for United, and is someone I think many fans are hoping Nigel Adkins considers adding to his ranks.

Fwd - Billy Sharp

A no brainer really. 21 goals this season have shown his worth at this level, with United reaping the rewards of taking him on for a third spell with the club.

Sharp loves the Blades, and it shows in his workrate and performances overall. The fans have also took note of this, voting him their player of the season earlier this week.

The Blades will once again need Sharps goals next season, and he needs to be the main man up front in this team if it is to win promotion.

Blades fans, agree? Who would you sign? Who stays? Any other realistic targets being missed? Let us know below!