Sheffield United: Chris Wilder explains real reason for Simon Moore's absence and Luke Steele's Blades trial

Chris Wilder has rejected claims that his decision to run the rule over former Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele is related to West Bromwich's Albion's pursuit of Simon Moore, although the Midlands club are still understood to be interested in signing the 28-year-old.
Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore is being tracked by West BromSheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore is being tracked by West Brom
Sheffield United goalkeeper Simon Moore is being tracked by West Brom

Steele appeared alongside fellow trialist David McGoldrick at Valley Parade as Sheffield United beat Bradford City 3-2 in their latest pre-season friendly.

Luke Steele, pictured during his time at Barnsley, is on trial at Sheffield UnitedLuke Steele, pictured during his time at Barnsley, is on trial at Sheffield United
Luke Steele, pictured during his time at Barnsley, is on trial at Sheffield United

Although Moore's failure to appear on the team sheet has inevitably prompted doubts about his future in South Yorkshire, Wilder attributed the player's absence to injury rather than Albion's efforts to lure him to The Hawthorns.

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Predicting United are close to making a breakthrough in the transfer market themselves after lodging bids for several key targets, the manager said: "Luke is here because Simon hasn't trained for a couple of weeks now. That's why we've brought him in.

"Simon has got a quad (thigh) problem and he's not been able to take part in any of our pre-season games so far which obviously is a shame. I'm just going on what the physios have told me and. while it's not serious, that's why we decided to take a look at Luke."

Steele, who left Bristol City at the end of last season, appeared as a second-half substitute as United beat their League One opponents 3-2.

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