Transfer Centre

Chris Wilder "definitely looking to improve" attacking options before window closes

| 15 September 2020

The Blades lacked a cutting edge up front as they started the season with a 2-0 home defeat to Wolves.

Chris Wilder is hoping to sign a striker before Sheffield United's next Premier League game against Aston Villa.

The Blades boss admitted his side lacked that telling quality in the final third on Monday night after they began their campaign with a 2-0 home defeat to Wolves.

Wilder has made no secret of his desire to add to his strike force before the transfer window closes, with Liverpool's Rhian Brewster his number one target.

The Blades have held talks with the Premier League champions regarding the England Under-21 international but Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has yet to make a decision on the future of Brewster, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Swansea in the Sky Bet Championship.

"We are definitely looking to improve and get one at the top of the pitch to give us that quality," said Wilder, whose side travel to Villa Park on September 21.

"We are trying. It is an important area of the pitch. Obviously we have the skipper (Billy Sharp) and David McGoldrick who were involved (on Monday).

"Didzy was injured on international duty and only trained for half an hour on Sunday to get on the bench. Oli Burke has not played any minutes of football at all, so he will start his season on Thursday night at Burnley in the cup.

"Oli McBurnie was out on his feet as well and Lys (Mousset) is injured. He has a foot ligament injury.

"We are definitely looking to improve. I am delighted with what we have brought in but if we can get one more at the top end of the pitch to really give us that quality then we will be in much better shape than when we first started in the Premier League against Bournemouth (last season)."

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has no such problems in attack and Raul Jimenez needed just three minutes to get off the mark for the new campaign at Bramall Lane.

The Mexican scored 27 times in all competitions last season but Nuno insists there is more to his game than merely goals.

"He played good. We know Raul, besides his talent, the way he works for the team is amazing. He gives lines of pass, is always fighting and, with a limited pre-season, he prepared himself very well during training sessions," said the Wolves manager.

"We were fortunate to have Daniel (Podence) and Raul together and that allowed us to create some complexities, facing this match.

"The credit, you know me, is for everybody. Everyone worked hard. Of course, individuals sometimes make a difference. Raul made the difference because of his talent."

Nuno was also pleased by the debut of summer signing Marcal. The £1.8million arrival from French club Lyon appeared to slot seamlessly into the team after being signed to replace the injured Jonny Otto.

Nuno said: "Marcal is an experienced player. He integrated very well. He was already competing so this gave him the edge in this match. I'm really pleased."