Chris Wilder addresses John Lundstram's situation at Bramall Lane as new players prepare to arrive

Although the agreement Bramall Lane’s hierarchy proposed remains unsigned, nearly a year after Lundstram’s representative was first invited to open talks about extending his client’s stay in South Yorkshire, Wilder told The Star he has still not ruled-out the possibility of the 26-year-old accepting United’s terms.

Speaking as he prepares to unveil at least two new players later this week, Wilder addressed Lundsram’s situation ahead of September 14th’s top-flight opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster has been the subject of an approach from United while Oliver Burke of West Bromwich Albion is set to arrive as part of a swap which will see Callum Robinson move in the opposite direction. Bayern Munich’s Leon Dajaku, previously of Stuttgart, is also thought to have been scouted in recent months. Derby County’s Phillip Cocu has refused to deny defenders Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe are close to joining United.

On Lundstram, Wilder said: “I’ve made it clear about John and the situation. I’d love him to sign a new contract, and you never know, he might.

“It’s a bit of a waiting game, to be honest. But there’s no downside to him putting it all anyway. He sees his immediate future here and he’ll get my backing so I hope he gets backing from everyone else as well.”

Lundstram, who scored the opening goal during United’s friendly with Preston North End on Friday, has been monitored by the likes of Brighton, West Ham and Rangers since entering the final 12 months of his present contract. But it is understood United have yet to receive any approaches, either concrete or exploratory, for the former England youth international.

“I’ve made it clear all along, if anyone doesn’t want to play for this club then I’m not going to force them by putting a gun to their head and making them get on the coach,” Wilder said. “John, though, put in a full tilt performance (against Preston) and that tells you where he’s at. We’ll wait and see what happens.”

An important message: Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.