Chris Wilder is still searching for new players Â©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

Speaking at the club’s training ground earlier today, Wilder told The Star that coaching staff hope to announce they have made a breakthrough before tomorrow night’s League One fixture with Southend.

“I’m not going to comment on individual players or positions,” he said. “That’s both in’s and also out’s until they go. Everybody knows the players we’ve made available. In terms of what I want to come in, I’ve said enough about it. We are where we are and we’re looking to get something done for Tuesday. And we’ll still look to get something done between now and the weekend because we aren’t where I want us to be in terms of bodies and the group.”

United have signed eight new players since Wilder’s appointment three months ago, including Middlesbrough winger Harry Chapman who agreed a season long loan before Saturday’s draw with Rochdale. Martyn Woolford, who has yet to make an appearance for United this term, is among those deemed surplus to requirements while Kieran Wallace, Kieron Freeman and Paul Coutts are also on the transfer list.

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Despite taking place against a backdrop of furious activity behind the scenes, Wilder confirmed United’s preparations for the visit of Phil Brown’s side are running smoothly.

“There are no injuries,” he said. “Everybody came through and that’s been a good part of pre-season and the first three games. We understand there are going to be impact injuries. Nobody shirked a challenge and they all put a shift in. They are desperate to win. They wouldn’t be in that changing room if they didn’t want to win or do well for this football club.”

Matt Prestridge arrived at Bramall Lane as United’s head of sports science earlier this summer and, reflecting upon last week’s EFL Cup tie against Crewe Alexandra, Wilder added: “After Tuesday, we were still going strong at 120 minutes, trying to get something out of the game. We’re okay with that, it was good to see that happen.”

Unlike United, Southend are still searching for their first points of the new season after losing 2-0 at Port Vale two days ago. United secured a share of the spoils against Rochdale when Billy Sharp cancelled-out Andy Cannon’s first-half strike.