Exclusive: Harry Souttar in Frame for Sheffield United Return as Chris Wilder Seeks Defensive Boost

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder wants to resurrect his partnership with Harry Souttar during the January transfer window.

SportsBoom understands that the Leicester City centre-half, who spent the first half of last season on loan at Bramall Lane, is in the frame for a return to South Yorkshire after impressing the 58-year-old.

But the Blades, who entered the international break at the bottom of the Championship table following a miserable start to the new campaign, are sweating on Marti Cifuentes’ own recruitment plans as his side looks to make an immediate top-flight return.

Souttar is progressing well in his battle for fitness after rupturing an Achilles tendon whilst representing United against Burnley on Boxing Day. 

Aged 26, that was his 22nd appearance for Wilder’s men after being deemed surplus to requirements by Cifuentes’ predecessor Steve Cooper.

Despite the former Nottingham Forest chief’s reservations about the defender’s suitability, the Australia international emerged as a driving force behind the squad which amassed 92 points during Wilder’s second spell at the helm. 

His premature departure proved to be a major blow to the club's hopes of securing automatic promotion, with that phenomenal total being surpassed by both Leeds and Scott Parker’s charges. 

HEARTBREAKING SACK

Wilder was relieved of his duties following a heartbreaking defeat to Sunderland at Wembley, only to be invited back for a third spell at the helm of his boyhood club when Ruben Selles, the man United’s owners COH Sports chose to replace him, turned-out to be a disastrous choice.

Having so far failed to resurrect the Blades’ fortunes, winning only one of his first four matches at the helm, Wilder is believed to have serious reservations about some of the choices Selles and senior executives behind the scenes made over the summer. 

With Gustavo Hamer and Tyrese Campbell still at his disposal, although their form has dipped, both are regarded among the best attackers in the division, bolstering a rearguard which has been breached 18 times in only 10 outings so far this term is Wilder’s priority. 

So great was the impact Souttar made after joining The Blades, Wilder is prepared to take a risk on his conditioning if The Foxes declare him available for selection over the Christmas period.

Cifuentes could prefer to retain Souttar’s services if City find themselves in a strong position. But Wilder hopes that the prospect of resurrecting what was a hugely successful partnership will be impossible for the player to resist; particularly as he knows regular first team football will be as good as guaranteed should United swoop.