Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has revealed that no progress has been made on new signings despite the transfer window closing in just a few days’ time.

The Blades have only brought in goalkeeper Adam Davies from Stoke City so far this month and, when asked if any other transfers were close to being finalised, Heckingbottom gave a rather pessimistic assessment of the situation:

“No, not as it stands. No closer. It’s frustrating. There are lots of different reasons. Players changing their mind, competition from others or us being that little bit slower and them nipping in.”

Liverpool centre-back duo Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have been mentioned as potential options over the past week but there are issues with both players.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are reportedly holding out for around £15m to sell Phillips, with the likes of Newcastle and West ham said to be keen on snapping up the defender. The competition and price tag means it is a no-go for the Blades.

The interest in Williams seems to be more realistic, with the 20-year-old having been recalled from his loan spell at Swansea last week, but Heckingbottom has expressed a desire to sign someone with more experience. Considering Williams struggled to get into the Swans’ starting lineup, that would probably rule him out as a possibility too.