John Brayford could make an appearance in a Sheffield United shirt next season - despite looking set for a move to Burton Albion this summer.
Brayford spent last term on loan at the Pirelli Stadium and played a vital part in Albion's Championship survival heroics as they narrowly avoided the drop.
Re-united with former boss at Derby County and Sheffield United Nigel Clough , Brayford even took the armband on the odd occasion last term - something rare for a loan player.
Brayford has returned to United and has been deemed surplus to requirements by boss Chris Wilder - with Wilder often touting Brayford for a move back to the Pirelli this summer.
But now it appears that the former Cardiff City man could be welcomed back into the fold at Bramall Lane and, although the prospect of him being included in the squad appear to be slim, assistant manager Alan Knill has refused to completely rule-out the possibility.
The Sheffield Star is reporting the situation with Brayford has been complicated further because the club have grown tired with being forced to agree costly financial settlements with unwanted players.
Past agreements have reportedly often totalled nearly £400,000 with unwanted players before the 49-year-old’s appointment in May last year.
The Brewers are on the hunt for a right-back after Tom Flanagan's unexpected departure last month, with Matty Lund filling in at that position against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night.
"Until something changes, they are still our players," Knill told the Star.
"They’re not kicking their heels. They have trained with us and are around to use if needed."
