Sheffield United set to hand new contract to key man as boss Chris Wilder describes him as 'immense'

Basham, United's longest-serving player after arriving at Bramall Lane from Blackpool in the summer of 2014, was presented with a memento of his 200th start in red and white ahead of Saturday's game against Hull City and then helped Wilder's men reach the top of the table with a 1-0 victory.

The defender's contract is set to expire next summer after he penned a two-year deal following promotion from League One last year, and Wilder confirmed United are in talks with him regarding an extension.

"It's always ongoing," the Blades boss added. "I think Bash is immense, a manager's dream. He plays a number of positions without complaining, and gives his all for the cause. He's fully deserved of a new deal, and that's got to be the carrot for the rest of the group; go and earn a new deal.

"We're in a healthy position regarding contracts and the players, staff and fans are all together here. Bash is a big part of that."

The 30-year-old admitted recently that he is "comfortable" about his contract situation and is settled, both at United and in Sheffield.

"I  want to get it done, but sometimes things take time in football," he added.

Meanwhile, Blades youngster Rhys Norrington-Davies has extended his loan spell at National League side AFC Barrow until the end of the season.

Barrow boss Ian Evatt said: 'Rhys is a fantastic footballer, he has done really well for us.

'He is a proper man for 19, he copes with this level really well and has done great for us.'