Chris Wilder reveals there was interest in John Fleck before he signed new Sheffield United deal
Chris Wilder has revealed that there was interest in John Fleck before he signed a new Sheffield United deal last weekend.
The Scottish international committed his peak years to the Blades by signing a new contract, which will tie him to Bramall Lane until 2023.
National newspaper reports linked Fleck with a move to Arsenal, with a fee of £20m mooted.
And Wilder, speaking after Fleck put pen-to-paper, said: “He’s been wanted elsewhere but he doesn’t want to go elsewhere.
“And I don’t believe any of the lads want to. Why would you?
“John’s integral to what we’re doing here. He’s been outstanding too. Sander [Berge] was good against Brighton too – he’s a young boy with pressure on him and he’s played in three decent results for us now.
“We’ve got a good group. I’m sure the others will commit – there’s no reason to think they won’t – and John’s been on the journey with us. We think there’s still a bit left on that journey, for him and us.”
United want to agree fresh terms with John Lundstram, John Egan and Enda Stevens before focusing on tying up other members of Wilder’s squad, including Ollie Norwood and Chris Basham.