Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder says the club are in negotiations with several players and hopes to announce new signings soon.

The newly-promoted Blades start their first season back in the Premier League away to Bournemouth on August 10 giving Wilder time to get deals over the line. The squad are back in pre-season training and Wilder has addressed his own future, penning a new three-year deal at Bramall Lane.

Now his thoughts are concentrated on assembling a squad capable of breaching the gap between the Championship and the Premier League and Wilder says he is making progress.

Ahead of a pre-season friendly against Real Betis on Friday, the United boss told the Sheffield Star: “We’re deep in negotiation with four or five players. It has ramped-up. It’s been tireless. If we get them great. If not, we move on.

“I know people want to see new players in the shirt but the situation is we’re working really hard and we’re really confident we can add to the group. We know we have to. We’re close. “I’d love to get two or three in by the middle of next week. And then get them into the games.”

Nottingham Forest’s Ben Osborn, Neal Maupay of Brentford and Swansea City’s Oli McNBurnie are all thought to be on Wilder’s wishlist while Ravel Morrison has joined the club on a trial which is likely to be extended.

Wilder has already made new signings in preparation for the new campaign, having broken the club’s record fee to bring in QPR midfielder Luke Freeman while Phil Jagielka returns to Bramall Lane 12 years after leaving to join Everton.

The Blades are at 3.80 to begin the new season with victory at Bournemouth. Eddie Howe’s side are 1.95 with the draw 3.75.