Sheffield United are now reportedly in talks to sign Patrick Bamford in a free deal following his departure from Leeds United earlier this season.
The Blades are desperately attempting to turn their season around following a miserable start which saw Chris Wilder return to replace Ruben Selles just three months after he left the club.
chris-wilder
Now as low as 22nd and far from the promotion hopes that they had in mind, those at Bramall Lane suddenly find themselves in an early, unexpected relegation scrap which they'll be looking to turn on its head after the international break.
Saturday's 0-0 draw against Queens Park Rangers at least stopped the rot and handed the Blades their first clean sheet in four games, but they must find a way to turn a draw into all three points in a crucial clash against rivals Sheffield Wednesday on 23 November.
Speaking to reporters after the QPR stalemate, Wilder admitted his frustration afrer what he felt was a performance worthy of three points.
"I'm a bit frustrated because we've done enough, more than enough. We needed a clean sheet after the goals and the manner of them we've conceded, but I've said it before, the players are giving everything and the supporters recognised that.
"There is always going to be a bit of moaning and groaning, but the majority of the fans have seen us have a right go, we are lacking a bit of belief and confidence and that is what our position in the table equates too, it isn't free flowing or smooth in the final third.
"They are a dangerous team with the pace at the top of the pitch, especially if you over commit, so we had to get the balance right and we went for the win, the stats back that up and if we don't win, we can't get beat."
Goals were once again the problem for Sheffield United, but the potential arrival of Bamford could help put an end to their unexpected woes in the Championship.
Sheffield United open talks to sign Bamford
As reported by The Telegraph's Mike McGrath, Sheffield United have now opened talks to sign Bamford. The former Leeds forward has been a free agent since leaving Elland Road in August, but now seemingly has the chance to make a return to the Championship courtesy of the Blades.
If Wilder is looking for goals then getting the best out of Bamford will give him exactly that. The 32-year-old has stolen headlines in the Premier League at his best and has as many as 69 Championship goals to his name throughout his career.
Previously dubbed "fantastic" by Leeds boss Daniel Farke, Bamford has the perfect opportunity to get the latter stages of his career back on track by joining Sheffield United. And he could even get the perfect chance to impress on his debut in the derby if he puts pen to paper in time to face Sheffield Wednesday.
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