‘The disparity between what he [Carruthers] earns and what we can pay is huge. The situation is, they’re doing their deals, which will finish today [Thursday], and they’ve been pretty clear that once they’ve got their end sorted out, they’ll do their ‘outs’, as they describe them.’

‘We’re hopeful something before the weekend can be really cemented, as we’re really keen to have him and I think he’s enjoyed being here.’

‘You can see he’s really quickly progressed, has a good footballing ability, gives us aggression and a little variation of style of midfielder.’

Carruthers, a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, made his senior debut with Aston Villa in 2012. After an initial loan, he joined MK Dons permanently in 2014, going on to make ninety-four appearances and helping them win League One promotion in 2015. He signed a three and a half year deal with the Blades in January 2017 and added another league One promotion to his CV a few months later.

After some initial promise, he has fallen out of Chris Wilder’s plans and spent last season on loan in League One making twelve appearances for Oxford United.

He is versatile across the middle of the pitch, being able to play centrally or in wide areas.

Our View

Carruthers would be a fantastic signing for the U’s, and fans will be hoping the Blades give the green light to the move.

He is a real talent, but he’s lost his way since leaving MK Dons, and Cambridge will be hoping he finds the form that persuaded Sheffield United to pay a fee for his services only two and a half years ago.

With Liam O’Neil suspended following his opening day red card during the U’s credible 0-0 draw with Bradford, Calderwood will be hoping to get the deal over the line before Saturday.