Sheffield United Plot Brutal Hull Double Raid with Regan Slater and Paddy McNair Targeted

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is lining up a ruthless Wembley raid, with Hull City’s top stars in his crosshairs, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Blades are in the early stages of what will be a dramatic summer makeover under Wilder, with the 58-year-old already allowing a number of big names to depart following a disappointing season at Bramall Lane.

And they are ready to swoop for a Tigers double act if their Premier League dream goes up in smoke later this month.

Wilder's attention has turned to bolstering the options at his disposal, and he is considering testing the Tigers’ resolve to retain the services of both Regan Slater and Paddy McNair should they lose next weekend’s showpiece event at Wembley.

Slater began his career at Bramall Lane before being allowed to join City midway through the 2021/22 campaign. 

WATCHING BRIEF

Given his progress since, and ability to perform a number of roles, that decision is now accepted to have been a mistake by members of United’s coaching staff who have maintained a watching brief on the midfielder ever since.

McNair’s experience and physical prowess have also been identified as desirable qualities by the Blades, who Wilder felt lacked the combative qualities and tactical nous to challenge last term. 

Like Slater, he will not consider leaving East Yorkshire if The Tigers go up and is in no hurry to find employment elsewhere even if they are beaten by Southampton. 

But United believe they remain an attractive destination despite an underwhelming series of results and are confident of launching, providing Wilder receives the backing and freedom he requires to remodel the options at his disposal, when the new season begins in August.

CONSIDERABLE INVESTMENT

Viewed as an effective operator from the bench, McNair’s future at City could be thrust into doubt even if they do go up, with officials there knowing it will require considerable investment to make them competitive at the highest level.

On the face of it, Slater’s position with the Tigers appears secure with fans there viewing him as one of their most effective operators. 

However, as a lifelong Blades fan, the opportunity to return to South Yorkshire would prove tempting if both teams find themselves in the same division next term. Although, Slater would require guarantees about his involvement in order to consider rekindling his relationship with his boyhood club.