'Refreshing clarity' from Wilder on transfer window

Rob Staton, BBC Radio Sheffield

The clarity with which Chris Wilder was talking about the transfer window earlier on Wednesday was refreshing.

Most managers don't like to discuss these matters publicly, but the Sheffield United boss was to the point. He wants the club to be decisive, moving on players not part of his plans while still leaving the door open for anyone to work their way into first-team reckoning between now and the new year.

All this comes after an interesting past few days.

One reporter from The Athletic touted United as a possible "surprise" team in the window, with activity to raise an eyebrow. Another report connected the Blades with a loan move for former striker Iliman Ndiaye.

If nothing else, it's layering the next few weeks with intrigue. There's nothing at the moment to suggest a big splurge is on the cards and the phrase "wheeling and dealing" has been used a few times with Wilder. You never know, though.

United's next test is to go up against Aston Villa - the Premier League's surprise package - on Friday.

They'll need to hope there's a little more pressure on Villa these days now that they're in the spotlight. That could give them a chance to cause what would, all considered, be a big upset.