Sheffield United 'in talks over Oli McBurnie, Wes Foderingham extensions'

The Blades have struggled to adapt to life back in the Premier League since gaining automatic promotion under the stewardship of Paul Heckingbottom in May.

United have won one of their 13 top-flight contests at the beginning of the campaign, meaning they sit 18th in the league standings, four points behind Luton Town in 17th.

Unlike Rob Edwards's Hatters, the Blades have been blown away in some matches, including the 5-0 loss at Mikel Arteta's Arsenal and the record-breaking 8-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United.

Despite focusing on securing the club's first-tier status in the short term, the South Yorkshire side are constantly planning for the future of their playing squad.

According to TEAMtalk, McBurnie and Foderingham are in the middle of advanced talks with Sheffield United concerning extensions to their current deals.

Both the striker and the goalkeeper have their agreements at Bramall Lane coming a conclusion at the end of this season, meaning they could leave on free transfers in the summer window.

Heckingbottom's side are very keen to avoid such a situation, with the Blades opening discussions with the pair about committing their longer-term futures to the club.

McBurnie was a key player for United as they earned promotion to the Premier League last season, scoring 15 goals across all competitions and forming a formidable partnership with Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye.

The Scotsman has suffered with a groin injury in the opening months of this campaign but returned to action on Saturday during his side's 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth, netting his second league goal of the term in added time.

With the 27-year-old's contract expiring in the summer, there has been speculation that he could be set for a switch to Scottish giants and boyhood club Rangers, however the player himself has expressed his desire to stay at Bramall Lane.

Foderingham has cemented his place as first-choice stopper for the Blades, starting all 13 Premier League matches at the beginning of this season, although the former Rangers man is yet to keep a clean sheet.

The 32-year-old was undoubtedly at fault for Justin Kluivert's goal at the weekend, however the keeper played a crucial part in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and the draw at Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international break.

Both Foderingham and McBurnie are expected to retain their starting berths as Sheffield United travel to Lancashire on Saturday afternoon, where an all-important clash with Vincent Kompany's Burnley awaits.