Sheffield United transfer window: Targets, players who could leave and Paul Heckingbottom's plan

The transfer window has officially opened today. Sheffield United now have until 11pm on September 1 to get their deals done as Paul Heckingbottom looks to strengthen his side for another promotion push.

The bulk of United's business last season was done at the end of the window, but the Blades boss is keen for players to join early this time round.

He would like as long as possible for his coaching staff and players to work with new arrivals to give them the best possible chance of hitting the ground running when the season starts, slightly earlier than normal, on Saturday, July 30.

Here is what Sheffield United fans can expect over the coming weeks.

Some of United's targets have already been identified. Dion Sanderson at Wolves is a player well known to United's recruitment team. They tried to sign him twice last season, once in the summer but he opted for Birmingham and again in January but a deal had already been struck to send him to QPR.

United face competition from Sunderland, where he spent a season on loan two years ago, but are hoping their relationship with Wolves boss Bruno Lage will stand them in good stead following the success of Morgan Gibbs-White's loan.

Chelsea's Jake Clarke-Salter, who spent last season on loan at Coventry, and Arsenal's Dan Ballard, who impressed at Millwall, are also said to be on United's radar, along with MK Dons' left-sided central defender Harry Darling.

Two more targets have come to light yesterday. It's been claimed that the Blades offered a contract to midfielder Callum O'Dowda, who became a free agent after leaving Bristol City. However, he has opted for Cardiff.

Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has also been linked with a loan move but that could no longer be an