Sheffield United tell club to wait over double transfer decision after players catch the eye

Southend United are keen to lure Harrison Neal and Kacper Lopata back to Roots Hall. The pair were part of a trio of Sheffield United players who had spells on loan last season, alongside Zak Brunt.

Lopata was eventually recalled in March due to an injury crisis but had impressed for the Shrimpers. Neale was sent out in January after Brunt moved to Notts County.

Both players caught the eye and earned rave reviews from home fans and Maher has admitted he has already asked Sheffield United the question of their return.

Lopata, 20, featured twice for United in the early part of last season in the EFL Cup, before joining the National League side in October. He featured 18 times and helped Maher's men climb from near the foot of the table to a respectable 13th.

Neal, who began last season with a loan spell at Kettering, joined for the second half of the campaign and was 'likened to Roy Keane' during his 22 appearances for the club.

Maher says he has touched base with Paul Heckingbottom but has been told the Blades are in no rush to send the pair out just yet.

"We’ve spoken to the club but they’re not our players so we understand the situation and there’s not much else we can do about it right now,” he told the Southend Echo.

"The clubs want their players to report back for pre-season before deciding what happens next and I completely understand that."