Sheffield United plotting double Leeds United and Luton Town transfer raid | OneFootball

Sheffield United are in a desperate situation, and sit rock-bottom of the Premier League table, having gained just 16 points from 33 top-flight games.

A 4-1 home defeat at the hands of fellow bottom-three outfit Burnley on Saturday afternoon further compounded the misery among Chris Wilder's men and around Bramall Lane.

The Blades look set for an immediate return to the Championship, so will consequently be looking to bolster their squad during this summer's transfer window, in order to re-adjust to the second-tier, and to put the tools in place for a promotion push.

Sheffield eyeing double transfer swoop for Leeds United and Luton Town duo

As reported by The Sun, Wilder is keen to sign Leeds United defender Luke Ayling to strengthen his defensive unit, with the experienced right-back currently enjoying a loan spell at fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.

The 32-year-old will be a free agent when he returns from Teesside, as his current contract at Elland Road is set to expire this summer.

Ayling could be an ideal signing for the Blades, who would not have to pay a transfer fee for his services, as he has bags of Championship experience, while he is also a versatile defender who is comfortable at right-back or centre-half.

The same report also reveals that the South Yorkshire outfit want to make a loan swoop for Luton Town's John McAtee, the elder brother of James McAtee, who is currently on loan at Bramall Lane from Manchester City.

McAtee is currently on loan at League One play-off contenders, Barnsley, and has had a successful season at Oakwell, managing to score 12 goals and create four assists in 39 matches.

The Tykes sit fifth in the third tier with just one game left to play, but could drop out of the top six places if they do not beat Northampton, and if other results go against them.

The 24-year-old is clearly a talented attacking midfielder/forward with an eye for goal, and would be a good signing for the Blades.

However, Luton look likely to be relegated back to the Championship following a 5-1 defeat to Brentford on Saturday afternoon, and could be reluctant to loan McAtee out to a potential promotion rival.

Furthermore, if the Tykes earn promotion to the second tier, they could be keen to pursue another loan deal for McAtee, which could present an obstacle to the Blades.

Wilder's men have endured a dismal Premier League campaign, winning just three wins from 33 games so far, and are likely to enter the 2024/25 Championship season with a lack of confidence.

Therefore, in order to stand a chance of making an immediate top-flight return, the Blades will need to have a successful summer transfer window, as new signings would bring some much-needed positivity back to Bramall Lane.

Ayling and McAtee would both be ideal signings for Wilder and co, but the South Yorkshire side should be looking to bring plenty of new bodies to the club this summer, if they want to make a serious promotion push.