Sheffield United assistant boss makes major transfer admission with targets in "certain areas" identified

Sheffield United assistant manager Mickey Collins reveals the club are actively pursuing a number of targets for "certain areas" of the Blades starting line-up.

The South Yorkshire club are expected to be active in the summer window as they look to strengthen Chris Wilder's hand in an attempt to improve upon last season's somewhat disappointing 13th place finish.

The 58-year-old oversaw a definite upturn in fortunes after re-taking charge of the squad following Ruben Selles disastrous short spell in charge, but still wasn't able to elevate the club into the mix for promotion.

Wilder secured promotion to the Premier League for the Bramall Lane side during his last full season in charge at this level, and is keen to challenge for a spot back in the big time once more next term.

However, he knows that major work needs to be done to overhaul his first-team squad with assistant boss Collins going on record to suggest that even though the group is in a good place, they know what changes need to be made if they are to propel themselves towards the upper echelons of the Championship table.

"We have been having chats about where the squad is at and we feel like we are in a healthy position," he told Sheffield United's official website.

We know there are certain areas that need additions, but I think when you come back in pre-season, and every club in the country will come back in with that enthusiasm, expecting to have a good season, but often very quickly, it doesn’t happen, and clubs realise where they are at.

- Mickey Collins (Sheffield United's official website)

"But I think with us going into, it we’re in a really healthy position, a really strong position."

He added: "I’m really excited about getting back in, getting to it and putting right some of the wrongs that happened last season."

Whilst numerous Championship clubs have already undertaken some of their summer recruitment, the Blades are yet to officially confirm any new arrivals, although a plethora of players have been linked with moves to the club.

The Sheffield Star have reported that the likes of Nathan Patterson, Kalvin Phillips, who spent the second half of last season on loan with the club, Jack Clarke and Lewis Dobbin are all on Wilder's wishlist.

It's understood the Blades are especially keen to bolster their ranks out wide, in central defence and at right back with the club also willing to sacrifice one or two of their higher-earners to help fund big money acquisitions.