Chris Wilder looks set to stay on as Sheffield United manager

The move, which would effectively quash fears he might be forced-out of Bramall Lane by an ownership dispute, comes less than a week after Kevin McCabe and HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa'ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met to discuss their respective takeover bids for the club.

Wilder led United to the League One title less than 12 months after being appointed in May 2016. His team finished 10th in the Championship last season, but climbed to the top of the table in November and entered the pentultimate mate of the season chasing a play-off berth.

Sunderland's prospective new owners have expressed an interest in speaking to Wilder when, as expected, their buy-out is ratified by the English Football League. But they would be forced to look elsewhere if Wilder commits his future to the club he has supported since childhood.