Southampton transfer could hand Sheffield United promotion key | OneFootball

The Blades are believed to be closing in on a deal for Ben Brereton Diaz, who could be crucial for them in their promotion quest.

Chris Wilder could enjoy a successful January transfer window at Sheffield United, with new owners COH Sports now at the helm.

Had Prince Abdullah still been in charge, their business may have been limited, during a window that's notoriously difficult to do deals in.

But the resources may be there for the Blades to add the quality required to maximise their chances of securing a Premier League return at the first time of asking thanks to Steve Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy arriving in South Yorkshire.

Considering they started the season on -2 points though, United's current squad have done a brilliant job in guiding them into the automatic promotion mix, though their summer business also helped.

Having added plenty of quality and depth to their squad during the summer, it's now a case of filling gaps for United during this window, and it will be interesting to see how much is spent.

It looks as though they are already closing in on their first signing of the summer though, and it's a familiar face that is poised to return to Bramall Lane.

The South Yorkshire side were previously eyeing a move for Oli McBurnie, who was also believed to be of interest to Lancashire sides Blackburn Rovers and Burnley.

However, McBurnie's current side Las Palmas - who he joined after his summer exit from United - are not prepared to sanction an exit for the forward at this stage, and that has ruled out the possibility of the Scotsman making a return to Bramall Lane.

But Wilder is set to seal a reunion with Ben Brereton Diaz, as reported by Alan Nixon and has since been claimed by Sky Sports, whose Transfer Centre say that a verbal loan agreement with an option to buy has been reached.

Chile international Brereton Diaz, who is currently at Southampton, hasn't been able to kick on at St Mary's, but was a real asset for United in the top flight when he joined on loan from Villarreal for the second half of last season.

Ben Brereton Diaz could be key to Sheffield United and Chris Wilder promotion hopes

Currently, the Blades have a fair few first-team options for central strikers when they are fit.

Tyrese Campbell and Kieffer Moore are both excellent forwards to have at this level, but the former is susceptible to picking up injuries and so is Rhian Brewster, who has spent a decent chunk of the past few years on the sidelines.

Ryan Oné can step in, as a talented forward, but he's only 18 at this point and Wilder won't want to put too much pressure on him, despite the fact he started at Watford on Saturday afternoon.

Brereton Diaz, who has shone for the Blades in the past, could be an excellent striker option to have.

Not only was he useful during his loan spell last season, but he has a decent amount of experience under his belt in the Championship and was a regular scorer for Blackburn Rovers before his move to Spain with Villarreal.

Already showing that he can score in the English second tier consistently, and previously thriving at Bramall Lane, this move seems like a no-brainer.

United could also benefit from improving their wide options, and Chile international Brereton Diaz is someone who can play on the left, having previously done so at Ewood Park.

Even if the Chilean doesn't start up front every week, there could be opportunities for him to play out wide, especially as Gustavo Hamer has been playing out of position there, and a player of his calibre could be crucial in firing United to promotion.

Moore is already a decent talisman - and adding another one with the likely arrival of Brereton Diaz could make a real difference.