Sheffield United are pushing for some late arrivals and could now be set to step up talks to bring a talented midfielder to Bramall Lane, according to a report.
Sheffield United turn to Danny Ings to provide firepower
After a dismal start to the EFL Championship campaign, Ruben Selles has turned to experienced forward Danny Ings to ignite his flailing attack after he left West Ham United under freedom of contract at the end of last season.
The 33-year-old has signed a one-year deal at Bramall Lane after impressing during a trial spell, and former Middlesbrough defender Tommy Smith believes he could be an ideal addition to offer an element of variety in the final third.
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West Ham's Danny Ings against Manchester City.
He stated on 72+: "It's a decent move for Sheffield United. The one thing that they do need is a bit of experience in the group, I think Danny Ings will bring that.
"The key element for him is keeping himself fit which I believe he has done for the last couple of years, he's just not had the game time that he probably craves and hopefully he gets that at Sheffield United."
Manchester City defender Callum Doyle has been floated as a Blades target, albeit their lack of positive in recent times is unlikely to win any favour among a frustrated support.
Ultimately, recruitment can be the way out of a poor start by Selles in the dugout, though plenty of clubs will be fighting to sign players on the market between now and Monday's deadline.
Nevertheless, Sheffield United fans can rejoice at some good news as they close in on a midfield signing that will add much-needed freshness in the engine room.
Sheffield United advancing in pursuit of Alex Matos
According to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, Sheffield United are advancing in negotiations to sign Chelsea midfielder Alex Matos before the deadline passes.
At this stage, it is unclear whether the 20-year-old will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on loan or whether his departure could be a permanent one after struggling to break through in West London.
Praised by Mauricio Pochettino for his "potential" while the Argentinian coach was in charge at Chelsea, Matos spent time out on loan at Oxford United last term and made 21 appearances across all competitions.
Versatile by nature, the former U's man can feature in central midfield, wide on the right or as a number ten, while he has even enjoyed the occasional appearance as a centre-forward during his young career.
Sheffield United can look forward to his industrious presence in the engine room if they can close a deal for the Bedford-born man, who made 29 tackles on Championship duty last term, per Fotmob.
Time is of the essence for the Blades to recruit new faces and Matos could be an intelligent buy to offer a fresh perspective in the middle of the park.