Sheffield United transfer news: Chris Wilder update, Louie Barry race, Hamza Choudhury | OneFootball

Football League World provides a roundup of all the latest Sheffield United transfer news

Sheffield United are firmly in the race for an automatic promotion spot, and sit just one point behind league leaders Leeds United following Saturday's victory over Watford.

After American consortium COH Sports completed their takeover of the club last month, Blades supporters will be hoping for an exciting January transfer window, as Chris Wilder and co look to improve their chances of an immediate Premier League return.

Two notable players the Bramall Lane side have already been linked with this month are out-of-favour Southampton star Ben Brereton Diaz, and Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury.

Football League World provides a roundup of all the latest Blades transfer news:

Wilder provides Sheffield United transfer update

The Blades boss told the Sheffield Star on Wednesday: "There's been good progress.

"We're not a million miles off.

"We'd like to think we will have bodies in for the Norwich game, and before, because it's not turn up at 10 for an 11 o'clock kick-off and sign the forms!

"There might be a medical involved and hopefully some preparation for that game for the boys coming in.

"Of course, we want them as early as possible, ideally for the week leading up to the Norwich game.

"There's a lot of things have to happen in terms of getting these boys over the line."

When the Star asked Wilder if any prospective deals had reached the medical stage yet, the 57-year-old revealed: "Not really, but ongoing talks and progression is key.

"All the players we've identified want to come here, which is great, and we're their preferred choice.

"We have got lists if we don't succeed in getting them over the line.

"We've made contact with those players, then the tough part is the negotiations from club to club and agents being involved as well.

"Let's hope our hard work will be rewarded in terms of the week leading up to the Norwich game and certainly when the teamsheets get announced.

"Ben (Brereton Diaz) was an obvious one, not playing in the (Southampton) team and he was here last season.

"I have a connection with Hamza (Choudhury) from Watford and other players as well.

"Position specific is what we're going on.

"A replacement for Harry Souttar, someone on the top line and maybe some physicality and legs in the middle of the park."

More Championship rivals join Louie Barry race

One player who has been a focal point of many discussions so far this transfer window is Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry, who scored 15 goals in 23 League One appearances while on loan with Stockport County this term.

Unai Emery's side decided to recall him from his spell at Edgeley Park, and unsurprisingly a host of Championship clubs are interested in his signature.

The Blades, Leeds and Derby County are all reportedly keen on the 21-year-old striker's services, while Hull City joined the race for Barry on Wednesday, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, as revealed by the South London Press, Millwall are also among the Championship clubs vying to sign the Villa man who was prolific in Stockport colours.

The forward's goalscoring exploits suggest he would be a strong addition for the Blades, but Wilder and co have plenty of competition to fend off if they are serious about bringing the youngster to Bramall Lane.

Blades in advanced talks for Choudhury

As previously mentioned, one potential signing the Blades have set their sights on this month is Leicester midfielder and Bangladesh international Choudhury.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Wilder's men had reached advanced talks with the Foxes amid their efforts to land the 27-year-old, who they view as a suitable replacement for the injured Ollie Arblaster.

If signed, he could be a real asset for the Blades, as he helped the Foxes on their way to the Championship title last season, making 34 league appearances.