Sheffield United would like to re-sign Manchester City loan pair James McAtee and Tommy Doyle next season.
The duo have impressed for the Blades this term, helping them to the brink of promotion to the Premier League while also securing a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals. That has yielded a date with Pep Guardiola's side this weekend meaning McAtee and Doyle are ineligible.
Both will travel to Wembley and watch the last-four contest on Saturday and the pair could yet be representing either club next term. Bramall Lane boss Paul Heckingbottom is keen to retain the midfielders but cannot bring both back on loan should promotion be secured as Premier League loan rules only allow a maximum of one player to be signed from another top-flight club.
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It complicates the Blades' future transfer plans somewhat but Heckingbottom is clear on what he wants to see in an ideal world.
"Yeah, but we would have to wait and see," said Heckingbottom, speaking to Yorkshire Live, on the prospect of bringing the pair back next season. "They are certainly the type of players and the type of people as well. That's important. Talented footballers but good people and at an age where there's a lot more to come from them.
"My message to City and to them and to everyone that knows me as part of their people is yeah, they need pushing but they have bought into it. They want to do well and they have good personalities and if they are continually pushed and driven I'd expect them to keep getting better."
Sheffield United currently have a five-point advantage to Luton in third in the Championship, with a game in hand, as they seek to join Burnley in the Premier League next season. The Blades need a maximum of eight points from their remaining five matches to secure a spot in the top flight.
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