Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has confirmed the club are in discussions to sign a free-agent forward, though the deal hinges on their ability to move an existing squad member on before the window closes.

The problem in the squad

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Wilder was candid about the obstacle standing between United and completing the move. "We have to move one of the players out, which is becoming a problem," he said. "He's, at the moment, a part of the 25-man squad. A player that I inherited, so that's becoming a difficult scenario but hopefully we've found a solution to that."

The unnamed player currently occupying the slot is understood to be one Wilder did not bring to Bramall Lane himself, which has complicated negotiations over an exit. With the squad limit acting as a hard ceiling, no inbound business can be concluded until an outgoing is confirmed.

What the target would bring

Wilder was cautious not to identify the forward publicly, but outlined the profile Sheffield United believe they have found. "The market for a particular player, especially a forward, is a very small one," he explained. "But we feel we've found somebody who can add versatility, availability, experience as well."

Those three qualities suggest the Blades are not chasing a raw prospect but rather a seasoned operator capable of covering multiple positions in attack. Free-agent additions of that nature typically carry no transfer fee, though wage and length-of-contract terms can still prove a sticking point, particularly when a club's primary task is simultaneously negotiating a player exit.

Tuesday's deadline looming

Sheffield United are hoping to have the matter resolved in time for the Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers at Bramall Lane on Tuesday evening (kick-off 19:45). Wilder made clear that the timeline is tight, and that failure to offload the current squad member could see the opportunity disappear entirely.

"If the player doesn't go out and some more windows shut, then we won't be able to do anything," he said. The reference to "windows" suggests the departure route may involve a loan to a club whose own transfer window is still open, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Doherty set to return

On a more straightforward note, Wilder confirmed that defender Matt Doherty will be available for Tuesday's game against Rovers. Doherty missed Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Norwich City through illness, and his return will be welcome as United look to bounce back at home.

The Blades find themselves at a busy moment both on and off the pitch. Wilder moved quickly in the window to bring in several faces, but according to the manager himself, there is one more piece of business he is still keen to complete. Whether the squad arithmetic can be made to work before kick-off on Tuesday remains to be seen.

Supporters will be watching closely for any announcement in the hours ahead, with the clock ticking on what Wilder clearly regards as a significant opportunity to add genuine depth to his attacking options for the second half of the Championship campaign.

Frequently asked

Who is Sheffield United trying to sign as a forward?
Chris Wilder has not named the target publicly. He described him as a free agent who would add versatility, availability and experience to the squad.
Why has the Sheffield United forward deal not been completed yet?
According to Wilder, the club need to first move an existing squad player out in order to free up a space in the 25-man squad. Negotiations over that exit are ongoing.
Is Matt Doherty fit for Sheffield United's game against Blackburn Rovers?
Yes. Wilder confirmed Doherty will return for the Tuesday evening fixture at Bramall Lane after missing the Norwich defeat with illness.