Sheffield United face Liverpool in the Premier League today.
Jurgen Klopp’s men will arrive in South Yorkshire in a distant sixth place after an inconsistent title defence blighted by injury to key men and a loss of form to others just months after romping to their first title win since 1990.
Indeed, Blades boss Chris Wilder says his relationship with Jurgen Klopp is “absolutely fine” after the Sheffield United manager inadvertently became embroiled in a war of words with the Liverpool manager earlier in the season over the five substitute debate.
And ahead of the meeting between United and Liverpool at Anfield, which sees two out-of-form clubs do battle at Bramall Lane, the subject was raised in United’s pre-match press conference.
“The relationship is absolutely fine,” Wilder said.
“I’ve got nothing but admiration for Jurgen, he’s a top class manager. People talk and if I was precious about what people said.
“He’s a winner, we all try to win and he’s done that in incredible fashion. In the heat of the moment… if it was personal I didn’t take it personal.
“I’ve moved on, I’ve got enough on to worry about stuff like that and it’s way down the pecking order for me.”
But what about transfers?
Here, we take a look at the rest of the transfer talk from Sheffield United and their Premier League rivals:
. LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United interacts with Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Fulham after the Premier League match between Fulham and Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on February 20, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andrew Couldridge - Pool/Getty Images)
Chris Wilder, manager of Sheffield United interacts with Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Fulham after the Premier League match between Fulham and Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on February 20, 2021. Photo: Pool
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been given the green light by the club to sign in-demand Leeds-born striker Erling Braut Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga club, however, doubt the 20-year-old will want to join the Premier League side. (Bild) Photo: Pool
West Ham United must part with £25m if they want Blackburn Rovers’ former Newcastle United striker Adam Armstrong this summer. The Magpies reportedly have a 40% sell-on clause. (The Sun) Photo: Jan Kruger
Crystal Palace could offer John Lundstram a Premier League lifeline, with the Eagles keen on a summer swoop for the midfielder. The Sheffield United midfielder due to be a free agent at the end of this season and has turned down a number of contract offers from the Blades. (London News Online) Photo: Jan Kruger