Burnley could test Sheffield United's resolve to keep Aaron Ramsdale if Nick Pope is sold this summer

Ramsdale has turned his fortunes around to the point that, even with United bottom of the table and relegated to the Championship, he would be a strong contender for the Blades player of the season award.

After some unfair criticism from supporters following his return to the Blades in the summer from Bournemouth, Ramsdale has been United’s most impressive performer in recent weeks and months – form which has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

Reports earlier in the season suggested West Ham may move for him in the summer, and national newspaper reports have now claimed that Ramsdale is on Burnley’s wanted list if England goalkeeper Pope is sold.

Burnley would demand over £40m for Pope, and expect to pay around half that if they wanted to sign Ramsdale.

The England U21 goalkeeper is highly rated by the national team set-up, and may feel that sustained Championship football is not what he needs if he is to force his way into the senior England squad.

Blades temporary boss Paul Heckingbottom recently described Ramsdale as “a huge, huge goalkeeper in this league”.

If Pope does move on and Burnley come calling for Ramsdale, it will be a big test of United’s resolve to keep hold of a player who could realistically be their No.1 for the next decade.

“He’s still so young and the type of goalkeeper we have now, and what he can potentially become, is a huge plus for this football club,” Heckingbottom added.