Sources: Chris Wilder agrees short-term Sheffield United deal with option
Chris Wilder has agreed a deal running until the end of the season at Sheffield United as he prepares to return to the club, sources have told Football Insider.
Wilder, 56, was sacked and replaced by Paul Heckingbottom in 2021 but is set to re-take the Bramall Lane hot seat with the Blades sitting bottom of the Premier League.
It is believed the ex-Watford and Middlesbrough boss will sign an initial deal running until the end of the season with an option of a further year.
Heckingbottom oversaw Sheffield United's return to the Premier League as Championship runners-up last season but is set to become the top-flight's first managerial casualty this season.
His poor start to the 2023-24 campaign was compounded with an 8-0 home loss against Newcastle United in September, and a 5-0 thumping by fellow strugglers Burnley on Saturday (2 December).
Wilder could face his first game against Liverpool on Wednesday (6 December) with the Blades four points from safety.
Sheffield United sold star men Sander Berge and Illiman Ndiaye in the summer window, leaving Wilder looking for reinforcements in January.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (4 December) that the incoming Blades boss is looking for transfer funds to be made available in the new year.
But a well-placed source has told Football Insider there won’t be “big money” available in January and he will, to some extent, have his hands tied in the new year.
Since his last spell at Bramall Lane, the 56-year-old ex-Blades defender has struggled in unsuccessful spells at Watford and Middlesbrough.
He managed 227 games across the top three divisions in his last spell, winning 106.