Chris Wilder and Sheffield United will try to improve their team in January, when the transfer window opens. Other circumstances to keep a watch on include Jefferson Caceres’ performance at Dunfermline.

Last season, Sheffield United signed winger Christian Nwachukwu from Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv and striker Jefferson Caceres from FBC Melgar in his native Peru.

The permanent transfer deadline day signings were made after consulting with data experts, although neither had much of an influence last season under Wilder, who finished third and lost in the play-off final to Sunderland.

The same is true for the current campaign. Former poker player James Bord is believed to be highly involved in the recruitment process at Bramall Lane, and he helped enable Caceres’ move to Dunfermline through his ownership of the Scottish club.

Jefferson Caceres outlines the Sheffield United scenario.

Sheffield United were at the time using up all of their work permit exemption slots, so they would need to make room for a potential arrival, which led to speculation over the Peruvian’s future.

Sheffield United fans thought Caceres’ signing was bizarre, and things haven’t gone well for him in Scotland. The 23-year-old signed a permanent contract with the Scottish Championship club, although he has yet to score.

Caceres can play forward in a variety of positions, but he has only two assists so far. He also has 18 months left on his contract with Dunfermline.

El Comercio in Peru chatted with Caceres on his time in the UK so far, and the versatile forward explained his departure under Ruben Selles. He explained, “The manager informed me I wasn’t going to get the playing time I desired. I discussed the prospect with my representatives, and we opted to come here (Scotland), knowing I would get continuous playing time.

“They also made the decision to open up a spot for a foreign player; it’s part of football, and these things are beyond your control.” There is a chance for me to return to Sheffield; they are the first choice.”

However, considering his problems in Scotland, the Peruvian seems unlikely to return to Bramall Lane, with the Blades unlikely to exercise their ‘option’ with Dunfermline.

Chris Wilder’s assessment of Jefferson Caceres

Speaking to the BBC at the time of Caceres’ signing for Sheffield United, Wilder said: “The options available to the club under the new ownership allows us to cast our net further afield.”

“I’ve previously discussed how we want to be more data-driven with some of our targets, and we’ve looked into using this to find players who weren’t previously on our radar.”

“Jefferson was identified using this approach. He’s a young guy that we want to help grow.”