Sheffield United are firmly on the hunt for promotion to the Premier League, though they already look to be planning for the future regardless of what division they end up in next season.

Sheffield United's automatic promotion hopes hang in the balance

Despite suffering relegation from the top-flight twice in the last five years, United have once again positioned themselves among the favourites to gain automatic promotion this season under Chris Wilder.

The Blades have proven to be a resilient bunch despite conducting modest transfer business in comparison to some of their promotion rivals. Many of their summer and winter arrivals have came to Bramall Lane on free transfers or loan deals, yet they have risen to second in the table behind Leeds United with eleven EFL Championship matches left to play.

Bouncing back from losing out to the Whites last Monday, Sheffield United took three points at Queens Park Rangers last weekend to close the gap on the league leaders to three points.

While the run-in is set to dominate headlines over the coming period, the Yorkshire outfit will also have one eye on the transfer business they wish to carry out during the summer.

Sheffield United’s transfer spend in comparison to Championship rivals

Burnley

£45.11 million

Leeds United

£29.99 million

Norwich City

£26.55 million

Luton Town

£26.1 million

Hull City

£25.98 million

Middlesbrough

£20.97 million

Sheffield United

£18.44 million

David Prutton has suggested that QPR defender Jimmy Dunne should be a target for Sheffield United once the window opens, but it remains to be seen the type of markets that could become viable at Bramall Lane in accordance with this season’s outcome.

Either way, Wilder has taken the step of casting an eye towards the future and there could soon be a new face at Bramall Lane if reports are to be believed.

Sheffield United take Partick Thistle youngster Jack Braid on trial

Football League World report that Sheffield United have taken Partick Thistle youngster Jack Braid on trial as they take a closer look at the 16-year-old forward, who has impressed at youth level this campaign.

Scottish clubs are becoming a priority for scouts south of the border due to the impact of Brexit, which has limited UK-based sides’ ability to acquire foreign players until they turn 18.

Likely to come in at Under-18 level should he impress Sheffield United Academy coaches, there are similarities between Braid’s potential move and the arrival of Ryan One from Hamilton Academical in 2023.

Braid wouldn’t be someone supporters will expect to star for the first-team any time soon. However, being able to build for the long-term with smart acquisitions at youth level would represent a degree of forward thinking.