Big money Sheffield United striker's wage revelation

The Star understands that the centre-forward, who commanded a £23.5m fee when he arrived from Liverpool three years ago, accepted the type of salary package usually reserved for ‘routine’ signings during his negotiations with officials from Bramall Lane.

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Brewster took the decision in order to boost his chances of playing regular football after graduating from Anfield’s development programme. It means his absence through injury - Brewster has not made an appearance since October because of a hamstring complaint - has not been as financially costly to United as many first feared.

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Sources involved in the negotiations at the time have also confirmed that Jurgen Klopp’s employers agreed to allow United to pay for Brewster over the course of his five year contract. Nevertheless, Liverpool were one of the club’s they owed money to before being placed under a transfer embargo by the English Football League before being promoted from the Championship.

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This was later lifted when United rearranged their debts, with Liverpool thought to have been granted ‘first option’ on one of Heckingbottom’s players as part of those discussions. The identity of the individual concerned has not been revealed, although it is likely to be either Iliman Ndiaye or Sander Berge, who has frequently been linked with a move to the North-West.

Both of their deals are scheduled to expire next summer, although Heckingbottom wants them both to remain next term.

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