Promoted Sheffield United in talks with Saudi consortium over £140million takeover

 Sheffield United will return to the Premier League next season after finishing as runners-up in the Championship - and the Blades could well have new owners soon

Sheffield United bosses are in advanced talks with a Saudi consortium about a possible £140m takeover of the Premier League club.

Current Blades owner Prince Abdullah is desperate to sell the club to the highest bidder following promotion to the top flight this season.

Months of talks with Nigerian businessman Dozy Mmobuosi broke down several weeks ago. But it has emerged a group of Saudi businessmen - along with two US based consortiums - are now interested in taking charge of the club.

In the meantime, Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom has been told he will have just £20m to spend on new signings this summer.

And this is despite Heckinbottom securing his club a windfall of £170m after leading them back into the big time.

Prince Abdullah claims he has no more funds to keep bankrolling the club - and has warned Heckingbottom to expect a modest transfer budget.

Heckingbottom is now resigned to working with limited recourses unless new owners can be found.

His players return to pre-season training on July 3 before heading to Portugal on tour - and Heckingbottom is resigned to having the same squad to work with.

His only hope appears to be new owners coming in and giving him significant funds to spend before the summer transfer window closes.