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The Sheffield United players whose future at Bramall Lane is uncertain

Soccer Football – Championship – Reading v Sheffield United – Madejski Stadium, Reading, Britain – March 7, 2023 Sheffield United’s Iliman Ndiaye celebrates scoring their first goal with Oli McBurnie Action Images/Andrew Couldridge EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Not for use with unauthorized audio, video, data, device lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online use during the game limited to 75 images, without video emulation. It is not used in single club/league/player betting, games or publications. Contact your account representative for more details.

Sheffield United saw their lead over third place dwindle to just four points as they lost at home to Luton Town in the disappointing Championship yesterday.

While Paul Heckingbottom’s side remain in a dominant position, Middlesbrough’s form means they are likely to be pushed to the end in the battle to win automatic promotion.

Not being promoted this season will have huge consequences for the Blades, who are subject to a takeover bid and there are question marks over the futures of many key players at Bramall Lane due to their contractual status.

With that in mind, we look TWO players facing an uncertain future as summer approaches…

iliman ndiaye

This is the one Sheffield United fans will fear the most.

The Senegal international has been outstanding this season and you could have a strong case to say that he is the best player outside of the top flight.

Interest in the player was therefore always inevitable, and Everton were believed to have made a big move to sign Ndiaye in January, but the Blades held firm and he remained at the club.

It could be a different story in the summer though, as the striker will enter the final 12 months of his contract and a sale looks certain if Heckingbottom’s men fail to win promotion.

This is also related to ownership, since if no one gets in, he’s the main man on the team in terms of recouping a significant fee.

Have any of these 25 former Sheffield United players ever played for a London-based team?

Oli McBurnie

One player the Blades may not get paid for is Oli McBurnie.

The striker will see his contract with Sheffield United expire in the summer, meaning he is just months away from becoming a free agent and being able to go elsewhere for nothing.

He continues to contribute on the field and remains an important part of Heckingbottom’s plans for now, but his future is up in the air.

Again, this is likely to be related to promotion, but either way, talks with the Scotland international are not expected to take place until the Blades know which division they will be playing their football in next season.

So it’s fair to say that Sheffield United are embarking on what is a critical period for the club as they chase promotion in the coming months.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.

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