Sheffield United: John Lundstram makes an admission about his contract at Bramall Lane as he nears final six months of present deal

The former Everton youngster has been one of United’s leading lights in the top flight since promotion was secured last season, and is expected to make his latest Premier League appearance this weekend when Manchester United visit Bramall Lane.

That fixture will have extra spice for the Liverpool fan, who grew up at Everton’s Finch Farm training base before working his way back up from League Two with Oxford United.

But longer-term Lundstram – who has been an ever-present for the Blades this season in the league, and is also their joint top-scorer going into the clash with Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s men – admitted a new contract “would be great”.

"When I spoke to the manager, I said it was all I wanted, to stay and play for this club,” he added.

"I thought maybe my time here was coming to an end [in the summer] but the gaffer obviously had faith in me.

“When he told me he wanted me to stay and had a part for me, it gave me a massive confidence boost to go away over the summer and repay him.

“I always believed I could play at the top. But at the same time, with the position I was in last year, it didn’t seem that I could. I went away over the summer and worked unbelievably hard to give myself the best chance I could.”

“It’s obviously been a journey for myself and my family. I’ve had a lot of knock-backs along the way. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s a journey I wouldn’t change. I’m at the top now and hopefully I can stay there.

“My aim was always to get back to the top. I always tried to think I could do it. So going down the leagues, I always thought I had to do it to come back up. That was just part of the journey and one I would never change.”

Meanwhile, United’s Women side have a new home after agreeing to play their home matches – initially for the rest of the current season – at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium.

United’s first Proact fixture is on Sunday, when they face Durham (12noon kick-off).