Sheffield United: Stefan Scougall could get new deal at Blades, says Chris Wilder

Scougall appeared destined to leave South Yorkshire last season after being axed from the squad by former manager Nigel Adkins.

But, having been granted a stay of execution following Wilder’s appointment in May, Scougall recently outlined plans to stay with the club when his present deal expires next summer.

United, who removed Paul Coutts and Kieron Freeman from the transfer list earlier this term, are expected to bolster their options during the January window while talks aimed at persuading Wolverhampton Wanderers not to recall on-loan defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell are already underway.

Although Wilder refused to be drawn on the exact details of Scougall’s situation, he said: “Stefan is a smashing lad and a really good footballer. He’s massively in our thoughts.

“Stefan has come on and changed games. When he starts games, he’s given us a zip. What he’s got to do, like everybody else here, is make sure that continues.”

United are unbeaten in 13 League One matches following last weekend’s victory over Shrewsbury Town. Scougall, who scored against Paul Hurst’s side, has appeared in 18 of their 22 outings so far this term. But the former Scotland under-21 international finished the previous campaign on loan at Fleetwood Town after being declared surplus to requirements by Wilder’s predecessor.

“At the moment, the only thing we’re focused on is trying to win games of football,” the United manager added. “Everything else will take care of itself. Behind the scenes, we are doing our best to try and ensure we’re in the best possible position to succeed. We’re trying to get every eventuality covered.”

Meanwhile, James Wilson (ankle) and Chris Hussey (hip) are set to miss tomorrow’s game against Bury despite returning to training this morning while Paul Coutts (shin), Mark Duffy (calf) and Kieron Freeman (back) are doubts.

“They (Wilson and Hussey) have been out on the grass and did half a session on Friday,” Wilder said. “They should start doing full ones after that.”