Sheffield United announced a trio of signings earlier this week as Max Lowe, Jaydn Bogle and Ethan Ampadu were brought to Bramall Lane.

The Blades have since completed another signing, although the club's supporters won't see him in Yorkshire for some time.

According to The Star, Chris Wilder has managed to acquire Mali under-20 midfielder Ismaila Coulibaly from Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08.

However, he is clearly a player for the future rather than the here-and-now as he has been immediately sent on loan to Belgian side Beerschot, a club with whom Sheffield United have very strong links as their owner Prince Abdullah has invested in the Antwerp-based outfit.

The 19 year-old has made 28 competitive appearances, with four goals and one assist to his name (as per Transfermarkt), and Sheffield United's move for him highlights that they are keen to build for the future.

The Blades' capture of the youngster should please supporters of the club, as it shows a firm intent to scout hidden gems, enable them to obtain senior experience elsewhere and then return to Bramall Lane when primed for the English game.

A loan move for the 19-year-old is logical as Sheffield United have many central midfielders in the club in John Fleck, John Lundstram, Ethan Ampadu, Sander Berge and Oliver Norwood, to name a few.

It is interesting, though, that they are buying a midfielder, especially with the speculation around Lundstram's future as he is yet to sign a new contract and many sides are circling for his signature. His current contract expires at the end of next season, so if Coulibaly performs well in Belgium, he could be seen as a possible Lundstram replacement from the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

Blades fans, are you pleased with the move for Coulibaly? Could he be a long-term successor to Lundstram in midfield? Let us know your views in the comments below!