Paul Heckingbottom is in no rush to see Daniel Jebbison and Will Osula leave the club for loan moves in the coming weeks. The Blades boss is more than happy to wait before making a decision but admits the recent injury to Billy Sharp will come into his thinking.
Several clubs have been in touch and asked the question of their availability in this window. Jebbison spent the first part of last season on loan at Burton, while Osula emerged into the first team towards the back end of the campaign as injuries saw the door open for the pair to get first team minutes.
Osula, who turned 19 at the start of the month, is yet to add to his five substitute appearances this term, but Jebbison, also 19, kicked off the season in the starting XI at Watford and also featured from the bench at home to Millwall.
Heckingbottom planned to wait until close to the window shutting before making a decision on what's best for their development and was relaxed about keeping them both in and around the Sheffield United first team.
However, Sharp's recent injury setback means it's unlikely both will depart. The 36-year-old captain needs to see a specialist after picking up an ankle injury at Middlesbrough and looks to be out for some time.
With that in mind, Heckingbottom insists it's important he does not leave himself short of options. Asked if Sharp's injury will affect his decision-making regarding possible loan moves for the pair, Heckingbottom replied: "Yeah, possibly.
"We want everyone to have a chance and an opportunity and we are looking at all our players closely, particularly our front players. We want to make sure we are progressing them and keeping them going, but we can't leave ourselves short. We can't.
"Will and Jebbo offer real
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Paul Heckingbottom
Daniel Jebbison