Sheffield United Chris Wilder makes a big admission over Jack O'Connell's future amid talk of Tottenham Hotspur interest

Reports in the national media suggested Spurs boss Jose Mourinho had identified O'Connell as a possible replacement for Jan Vertonghen, who Spurs fear will leave at the end of the season when his contract is set to expire.

O'Connell once again impressed on Tuesday evening as United lost 1-0 to reigning champions Manchester City at Bramall Lane, and has been watched by England manager Gareth Southgate in previous weeks.

And, speaking after the City game, Wilder said: "Jack has been amazing, he’s going nowhere. Nobody’s going anywhere.

“There’s talk in the papers and I do know at times where it comes from. But we’re protected and the boys are enjoying their football.

“They don’t produce performances like tonight if they don’t want to be here.”

John Egan, O'Connell's central defensive partner, has also previously been linked with a move to Everton but Wilder revealed he has not yet received any offers for his key men.

"We want to keep everyone here," he added.

“There are certain players that we’ve talked about that will be playing elsewhere next year but my main actors – and there are quite a few of them – I want to keep, and build. I want them to be part of a decent future for the football club.”