Timothy Ouma signs: What Sheffield United's perfect January transfer window looks like | OneFootball

FLW lists three scenarios that would be ideal for Sheffield United in the upcoming January transfer window.

Sheffield United are strong contenders for promotion from the Championship this season.

As expected, the Blades are towards the top of the table, pushing for an immediate return to the Premier League this season. Last season was a huge disappointment for Sheffield United as they finished rock bottom of the top flight, having picked up just 16 points and three wins all season.

Chris Wilder is the man at the helm at Bramall Lane for the second time in his career, and the hope is that he can repeat his antics of the 2018/19 season and achieve promotion from the Championship once again.

Wilder inherited a squad that was too weak for the Premier League, but seemingly very competent in the second tier. He brought in a number of big additions over the summer, who have really impressed so far. The likes of Callum O'Hare, Harrison Burrows, and Alfie Gilchrist are just a few examples of summer signings that have started the season superbly.

The January transfer window will come around quicker than expected, and it is important that Wilder makes the right moves in order to continue the push for promotion. In a way, keeping hold of some of his most important players is arguably more vital than signing new players.

With that in mind, FLW looks at an ideal January window from a Sheffield United perspective.

Ollie Arblaster stays

Ollie Arblaster is Sheffield born and bred, and has become quite the local hero as of late for the Blades. At just 20 years old, Arblaster often wears the captain's armband for the club he grew up supporting and has led the side to some big results this season.

None more so than the recent Steel City derby, in which the Blades won 1-0 at Bramall Lane. The young midfielder has come on leaps and bounds over the last year or so, as at the start of last season he was on loan at Port Vale, and just months later was starting in the Premier League.

This season he has continued to be crucial to Sheffield United's midfield, and that is why it is extremely important for the club to fend off any interest in January. Brighton had targeted him in the summer, but nothing materialised, so Chris Wilder and Sheffield United will be hoping things stay that way in order to keep their young star on the books.

Timothy Ouma signs

It was recently revealed by Alan Nixon, that Sheffield United are keen on signing Kenyan star, Timothy Ouma this January, who would cost around £5 million. If the Blades can gather the funds required, this would be a cracking signing given his potential.

Ouma is a 20-year-old versatile midfielder who has shone in the Swedish top flight for Elfsborg recently, and there is huge promise surrounding his name. He has previously been linked with a move to Luton Town and Brentford, so Sheffield United will have some competition on their hands.

The Kenyan has also featured in the Europa League this season and contributed to two goals in one game against AZ Alkmaar, as well as helping his side win 1-0 against AS Roma. He would be a fantastic pick-up for Sheffield United this January.

Anel Ahmedhodzic stays

Another key player that Sheffield United must protect this January is defender Anel Ahmedhodzic. The Bosnian was absolutely vital to their promotion win two seasons ago, and will no doubt be just as vital this season.

The 25-year-old received Premier League interest over the summer, with Ipswich Town and Wolves both keen on signing him, but nothing materialised and he remained a Blade.

Wilder and the club must do absolutely everything they can to fend off interest in January, as his departure would cause disruption in the Sheffield United defence. He has contributed to a number of clean sheets, and the Blades will be hoping he continues to do so.