Sheffield United prepare mass purge ahead of relegation

Sheffield United are in last place in the Premier League. Photo: Getty Images/Michael Regan

Sheffield United are set to undergo a summer purge with 10 first-team players out of contract following a disastrous return to the Premier League, with some unable to stay.

Blades manager Chris Wilder admits he could play with youngsters and look to the future after Monday's 6-0 defeat to Arsenal left them on the brink of relegation, with one eye on the Championship next season.

Wes Foderingham, Oli McBurnie, Oliver Norwood, Ben Osborne, George Baldock, Jayden Bogle are all out of contract as players who faced Mikel Arteta's side, while John Egan, Max Lowe and Daniel Jebbison are out of contract.

Chris Basham is out of contract and has admitted the horrific injury suffered in October could be career-ending and he is fighting to play again.

While the club has options for some players such as Bogle and Osborne, many of its core players such as Foderingham, McBurnie and Norwood could leave for free.

Foderingham has made 24 Premier League appearances this year season. McBurnie scored 15 goals in the second division last season and Norwood was promoted four times, which is expected to appeal to Championship clubs eyeing players.

The Blades will also see the loans of Mason Holgate and James end. McAtee, Ben Brereton Dias and Yasser Laroussi are expected to return to their parent clubs, with Aston Villa believed to have a buyout option for Cameron Archer.

Wilder benched 19-year-old Ollie Arblaster against » Arsenal, which he said was important as he is now looking for players for the medium to long term.

“I have a commitment to my employers, the football club and the players. commitment to go all the way, I may have to see who wants to go all in on this journey,” Wilder said. “We need to be sure who will go for broke in the medium to long term.”