What else do Blades need this window?

With an above average start to the campaign for Nigel Adkins men, the question now with 12 days of the transfer window remaining is which areas need strengthening to maximise our chance of promotion.

The Blades have played four games since the start of the season last Saturday and have conceded five times and scored six in those games. This, on the face of it, means that maybe another couple of creative players and defenders should do the job.

Although the Blades have already added some players to the current bunch a few more would, in my eyes, seal promotion. So, with that in mind, let’s look into who I would sign if I was in Mr Adkins’ shoes.

Kelvin Davis: After a terrible performance against Gillingham, George Long was rightly dropped and replaced by Mark Howard. Although Howard is a solid goalkeeper he is always prone to one or two injuries a season and with Long in goal I wouldn’t be happy as he is nowhere near ready to be a number one for the Blades. Kelvin Davis on loan for a season would be pleasing as he will push Howard, provide great cover and could also go straight into the side. Maybe being good friends with Adkins after his Southampton days could make this a goer.

Dan Burn: Dan is a very solid and tall defender who likes to get on the ball and play. Burn would bring a definite physical presence and with Adkins saying he wants 6ft-plus players in his side, Burn would undoubtedly compliment that. Although he’s not the quickest he is a good tackler and would’ve been a good replacement for Harry Maguire last season.

Nathan Byrne: A right winger and probably the best player in the division. He has all the right attributes to become a Premier League player – fearless, direct, versatile and lightning quick. He started the season with a 16 minute hat-trick showing he also has goals in his locker. With the Blades’ right wide players both inconsistent and injury prone maybe Byrne is the answer. However, he is probably out of the Blades’ price range and is being watched by a number of clubs higher up the Football League ladder.

Bradley Dack: Wow, what a unbelievable player. Against United on the opening day he was the player that made sure everything ticked. A two footed player who is a lot similar to Jose Baxter but Dack is more of a worker, stronger, quicker and better in the defensive side of his game. The Gills starlet’s wonderful dribbling, exquisite passing and brilliant shot put him up there with some of the best young central midfielders outside the top flight.

Sam Morsy: A Daley Blind type of player in my eyes. One of the best passers in League One and him, Dack or the next player in the list would make the spine of the Red and White Wizards be the strongest it’s been in a long time. Morsy would add creativity, strength, an eye for goal and quality to the midfield. Morsy is a realistic aim as rumour has it that Chesterfield want £650k for him he’d be close enough that he wouldn’t have to relocate.

Michael Bostwick: It’s typical that the three midfield generals suggested are Adkins’ team’s first league opponents but these were my suggestions before the games were played. Bostwick can also play at centre back so again adds versatility. Additionally he has leadership qualities, strength, stamina and the ability to shoot from range. At a peak age of 27, Bostwick could certainly add another physical presence to the XI.

Jamie Paterson: The Blades were linked with the 23-year-old in his Walsall days but Nottingham Forest was his preferred destination. After failing to keep Michail Antonio out of the Forest line up maybe it’s time for him too move on from Dougie Freedman’s men and hopefully join Adkins. After losing Jamie Murphy to Brighton and Hove Albion last Friday, in my opinion, this lad is perfect to replace him. He’s quick, skilful and most importantly contributes with a great deal of assists and goals.

Devante Cole: Although the Red and White Wizards could almost make an XI of strikers this lad is available on a free contract and would add a different type of forward to the group. With only a wage to pay plus age and potential on his side I think Andrew Cole’s son would be a good addition. At just 20 years old he’s pacy, strong, tall and a decent finisher (must run in the family).