Sheffield United facing uphill Premier League battle after board reveal tiny transfer budget

BOSS Paul Heckingbottom needs to work transfer miracles after being given just £20million ‘extra’ to spend at Sheffield United.

Hecky met Blades top brass after clinching promotion back to the Premier League.

GettyPaul Heckingbottom has a limited transfer budget to work with[/caption]

But the budget will leave him scouring the market for bargains, free agents and loan deals.

Current wages need to be covered by Prem cash, leaving only a small excess for new players.

Blades are hoping for a takeover to inject fresh cash — with an English-born financier and American money interested in a deal.

However at the moment Heckingbottom is looking in the bargain basement.

His scouts are checking out several free agents around the world.

Ironically the tight budget may mean a reprieve for veteran Billy Sharp.

The 37-year-old striker has not been offered a contract but could still get terms later in the summer.

Sharp has had three stints with his hometown Blades.

He has made 377 appearances for the club, scoring 129 goals.

Sharp bagged just twice this season in 38 Championship appearances.

He made 14 starts in the second tier, and also wore the captain’s armband on occasion.

Billy Sharp has made 377 appearances for the BladesJamie McPhilimey