Chris Wilder today played a straight bat to suggestions Sheffield United are closing in on the signing of striker Ben Brereton Diaz.
The Chile international joined Villarreal from Blackburn over the summer but has failed to make an impact at the Estadio de la Ceramica, making just two starts without scoring.
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A return to England would suit the player, allowing him to play in the Premier League, and would add physicality to United’s forward line as they look to move away from the lower reaches of the table.
It has been reported a deal is very close but Wilder was giving nothing away. He said: “I can’t tell you anything and I am not going to, so sorry about that. Things are ongoing, ins and outs. Until we get things over the line or announced [I am not going to say anything].
“We are still working on some targets that will hopefully aid us in the second part of the season.”
Former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is another to have been linked with a January switch to Bramall Lane.
Wilder added: “I am assessing all the squad. It’s you guys [the media] that come up with names and positions. I have never once mentioned names or positions since I have taken over. You guys make those assumptions.
“We have looked at the squad right the way through. It’s not going to be about taking a wrecking ball to it. There will not be six, seven or eight players coming in. There will be changes – two or three that give the group a helping hand.
“We have to have players that will go straight into the team to make it better. Hopefully when the window shuts the group will be stronger than when it started.”
The Blades travel to League Two side Gillingham in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, seeking an escape from their league struggles. Wilder’s side are bottom of the table, seven points adrift of safety.