Sheffield United confirm bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Conor Coady

As The Star revealed at the time, representatives acting on behalf of United approached their counterparts at Molineux to lodge a bid for the defender in the summer of 2017; soon after Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment.

Although two of the three parties involved in the proposed deal denied any knowledge of United’s interest, Wilder last night admitted that an offer had been tabled.

“They are well led by their skipper, someone who I really admire and tried to bring to Bramall Lane,” he said. “We tried to get him at the time Nuno landed and we were hoping he would try to sign a Portguese centre-half.

“But the boy from Liverpool, he carries himself so well and is a great captain.”

Coady, now aged 27, made 50 appearances for United after being signed on loan by Wilder’s predecessor David Weir at the beginning of the 2013/14 League One campaign. He was later sold by Liverpool, joining Huddersfield Town before moving to Wolves five years ago.

Despite reminding the latest visitors to South Yorkshire are bankrolled by a Chinese conglomerate, Wilder admitted there are similarities between their approach to football and the principles he has adopted since taking charge four years ago.

“I think, in terms of those principles, we are similar,” Wilder said. “They're very fit, very organised and they are not over bloated in terms of numbers."

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