By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

18th Sep, 2023 | 1:30pm

Sources: Major update on Sheffield United potentially sacking Heckingbottom

There is no immediate threat of Paul Heckingbottom being sacked at Sheffield United, sources have told Football Insider.

Widespread reports have suggested the 46-year-old could be replaced by ex-manager Chris Wilder following the Blades’ poor start to the 2023-24 campaign.

However, a well-placed source has told Football Insider that Heckingbottom will be given time to turn things around after a tough transfer window.

Sheffield United lost two of last season’s top performers – Sander Berge and Illiman Ndiaye – to Burnley and Marseille respectively.

The Blades have picked up one point from a possible 15 to start the new campaign following promotion to the Premier League last term.

They sit just outside the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference and have also been dumped out of the League Cup.

Heckingbottom’s side have suffered two late collapses from winning positions against Man City and Tottenham in recent weeks.

But it is believed there is no panic about the situation from the club’s Saudi Arabian owner, despite management in the top-flight being very much a results business.

Heckingbottom led the Blades to a second-place finish in the Championship last season amid a backdrop of chaos relating to Abdullah Bin Mosaad Al Saud’s takeover.

He succeeded Wilder at Bramall Lane in an initial caretaker role back in March 2021, and was eventually given the job permanently in November of that year.

The 46-year-old won 28 of a possible 46 Championship games last term to ensure the Blades’ return to the Premier League.

In other news, two Premier League clubs race to sign Paris Saint-Germain talent.