Gus Hamer sent blunt message after Sheffield United reject Coventry City transfer bid for star forward
Coventry City have made their opening move to bring Gustavo Hamer back to the club, but Sheffield United have rejected the approach - and Chris Wilder has told him he is expected to give everything until something changes
Gustavo Hamer has been warned that he is expected to continue to “give everything for the shirt” for as long as he remains at Sheffield United, after former club Coventry City made their first official move for the forward. The Sky Blues want to re-sign Hamer after being promoted to the Premier League.
Teammate Femi Seriki has also been the subject of a bid, a strange loan-to-buy offer from Italian side Sassuolo which was rejected out of hand by United. The Blades have also turned down City’s opening move for Hamer.
Their stance is clear; the Sky Blues must meet the Blades’ asking price for their star player before any thoughts of a sale will be entertained. Hamer is understood to be keen to return to the Midlands but United are standing firm.
Both Hamer and Seriki were on United’s pre-season trip to Germany at the weekend and as things stand will be involved on Sunday when the Blades’ competitive season begins away at Mansfield in the EFL Cup.
Speaking to The Star in Germany, Wilder said of the pair: “They're contracted to Sheffield United, first and foremost and full-stop. So when they're not, then we'll move on to other players.
“They're contracted to Sheffield United, and I expect 100 per cent commitment. To give everything for the shirt. We're paying the wages. I’ve always said, it’s up to them; if they take care of the football, then football will take care of them.
“Both players are fully committed to the football club as we speak. If it changes, it changes, and then we move on.”
As well as hoping to fend off the interest in two key players ahead of the new season, Wilder is also keen to add to his squad with two centre-halves amongst the priorities.
Harry Souttar remains a top target but United have also been linked with Nicolas Valentini, reportedly submitting a bid for the Fiorentina defender.
“We've got a strong squad and I'm trying to improve it,” Wilder added. “I'm not wanting to lose any players. We know the positions that we need to get in. We've talked about it.
“It's there for everybody to see. No disrespect to Jamal Baptiste but we need one or two centre-halves to go in with Japh [Tanganga], the skipper, who I thought was outstanding.
“Harrison Burrows is going to come back in to give competition to Sam McCallum. Matt Doherty got on the pitch. And midfield players, we've got some good players in there to bring on as well.”