Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough has admitted that the club must remain patient if they want to re-sign Chris O'Grady.
The striker recently returned to parent club Brighton & Hove Albion following a successful loan spell with the Blades.
O'Grady, 28, scored one goal in four games for United during his time at Bramall Lane.
"Things are progressing but I think we are in the same situation as we were about six weeks ago where they want to get a striker in before they do anything, so we have got to be a bit patient," Clough is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.
"He knows we want him and what we feel about him. We have been chasing him for six months but he is Brighton's player at the moment so unless they say otherwise, we have to live with that."
Sheffield United continue their League One campaign on Saturday when they host Preston North End.