How Sheffield United’s XI could look if they sign Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond | OneFootball

The experienced duo are on trial with the South Yorkshire outfit

It's been a disastrous start to life in the Sheffield United dugout for Ruben Selles, with the Spaniard losing all four of his Championship and EFL Cup contests so far.

After taking over the Bramall Lane hotseat from the controversially-dismissed boyhood Blade, Chris Wilder, there was still hope that the Spaniard could mould a squad capable of mounting a sustained play-off bid, at the very least, after losing out at Wembley Stadium to Sunderland in May's second-tier play-off final.

Amid the usage of a new AI-based recruitment model, Football League World exclusively revealed in July that the club would be looking extensively into the loan and free agent market, and in the final days of the summer window, such a theme is playing out, with the Sheffield Star revealing that the experienced duo of Nathan Redmond and Danny Ings are currently on trial in South Yorkshire.

Both players have recently departed West Ham United and Burnley and would give Selles plenty to think about if permanent deals were put on the table, and FLW has looked at how those potential moves could impact United's eventual starting lineup.

GK: Michael Cooper

One man whose gametime wouldn't be impacted one bit by these deals is Michael Cooper, who has endured a tough start to the campaign by shipping six goals across three games.

However, when he and the rest of the Blades defence, which has undergone a major transformation this off-season, are fully on-song, Cooper is undoubtedly one of the finest shot-stoppers in the Championship, and managing to retain his services amid prior interest from Premier League clubs is one of United's most important actions across the entire summer.

RB: Ben Godfrey

Ben Godfrey is one of Selles' most-recent additions to a new-look rearguard, with the former Everton man moving to the Steel City on loan from Atalanta.

United can also call upon the services of Femi Siriki at right-back, but with the club rather stacked in terms of options at the heart of defence, it seems logical to utilise the two-time international as a full-back providing that all the Spaniard's go-to options are fully fit.

The 27-year-old also made his bow for the Blades in this particular position in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Millwall, but will certainly grow into his new surroundings sooner rather than later.

CB: Tyler Bindon

Tyler Bindon is someone who the United boss has extensive knowledge of, having seen the New Zealander become one of League One's top talents at Reading amid a backdrop of financial uncertainty.

After previously been touted with Championship moves during his time at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, a step-up in division against smarter forward-lines will only benefit the 20-year-old in the long run as he eventually looks to assert himself as a first-team regular on the books of his parent club, Nottingham Forest.

CB: Japhet Tanganga

Bindon has already had two defensive partners so far this campaign in Rhys Norrington-Davies and Jack Robinson, and he could be set for a third, with it being reported that United and Millwall have agreed a fee for the services of Japhet Tanganga.

The expected signing of the 26-year-old will be seen as a major coup for the Blades, with many tipping the Lions' prized asset with a return to the Premier League after previously progressing through the Tottenham Hotspur ranks and the insertion of a £1.2m release clause that could only be activated by top-flight sides.

Given some of the creative flair that still remains among the Bramall Lane ranks, expect Selles' side to be a real threat from set-pieces if all goes accordingly.

LB: Harrison Burrows

Speaking of high-class delivery, Harrison Burrows has continuously shown he can provide that on top of his defensive nous in S2 since joining from Peterborough United.

The 23-year-old has represented a real coup in his first year at the club, racking up a total of six goals and as many assists in his first 51 appearances for the club, and it would be no surprise to see the defender become the subject of interest from clubs higher up the food chain in the near future, particularly if the Blades' early-season struggles were to continue.

CM: Sydie Peck

Sydie Peck has gained plenty of admirers in his breakthrough spell after coming through the academy, taking to Championship life extremely well last season, and he will hope for more of the same in the remaining 42 league games.

The 20-year-old's current ability and future potential as a tenacious, all-action midfielder previously caught the eye of West Ham in June, although those at Bramall Lane will be mightily relieved that such interest has cooled down, and that Peck can continue his development as a mainstay in the United engine room.

CM: Djibril Soumare

Djibril Soumare is yet another summer recruit who fits into this XI, with the SC Braga loanee providing balance in the middle of the park.

The Senegalese man has only started one of the side's opening three games, but has the capability of breaking up play and moving it forward to the abundance of attack-minded players that can be utilised out wide or have the ability to free roam in central areas and provide service for centre-forwards, which is what can definitely be said for the next man in red and white.

CM: Gus Hamer

Despite a tough start to the campaign, Gus Hamer's ability at this level was only further showcased by a stunning strike in the EFL Cup defeat to Birmingham City, lobbing James Beadle from halfway.

It has been no surprise that transfer talk has surrounded last term's Championship Player of the Season all window long, although Selles has constantly reiterated his desire to retain the Dutch-Brazilian's services, although it has been claimed that Hamer would like to return to the Netherlands amid interest from PSV.

Hamer has the ability to feature in deep and advanced midfield positions as well as off the left flank, where he predominantly featured last season. If he is able to sustain his output of 18 goal contributions in all competitions last term, the Blades are likely to make progress in the upcoming matches.

RW: Nathan Redmond

Selles' favoured formation is a 4-3-3, meaning Redmond can easily slot in on the right wing if a permanent deal comes to fruition after previously seeing Tom Cannon, Andre Brooks and Callum O'Hare feature in similar positions in the opening three games.

It would likely take the 31-year-old some time to get up to speed after making just two appearances for Burnley during the Clarets' promotion-winning season last term amid long-term injury problems.

Overall, Redmond has previous Championship experience with Birmingham City and Norwich City, which included a play-off success at Carrow Road in 2015, and he comes with 53 goal contributions in 276 Premier League games.

It remains to be seen if the winger still has a previously-electric turn of pace, but he will also be viewed as a strong mentor for the likes of Brooks, who shone during his breakthrough campaign last term.

LW: Louie Barry

Louie Barry will hope to make much more of an impact on the Championship this season compared to last, after an injury in February swiftly curtailed his loan spell at Hull City, just weeks after Selles fought off strong competition for the winger's signature at the MKM Stadium.

The 22-year-old lit up the League One stage with Stockport County beforehand, accumulating 16 goals in just 24 appearances, but is yet to fully make his mark on the second-tier.

If the Aston Villa loanee can remain fit and firing, it will certainly aid the Blades' end aims for the season, as well as the goal return of the centre-forwards at Selles' disposal, which could include yet another experienced option.