Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder says it would be 'morally wrong' to discuss new contracts right now as talks with star players are placed on hold

United were negotiating new deals with two players - John Lundstram and John Egan - when English football was placed into lockdown last month because of the pandemic, while Oliver Norwood and Chris Basham had been informed they would be invited to open discussions shortly.

But with millions of people across the country facing financial difficulties because of social distancing measures introduced to try and curb the spread of the disease, Wilder, who together with senior members of his coaching staff recently agreed to defer a percentage of their wages until the end of the year, told The Star that United had taken the step out of respect for those affected by the disease.

“They (the talks) have been put on hold,” he said. “I don’t think it’s right for players and agents to be talking to us about contracts and increases, from a length or financial point of view, when we’re in the situation we’re in. So everything has been put on hold.

“Things like that can be picked up again quickly when the time is right and I’m sure they will be. But I’m not sure it’s in the best taste if on the back of The Star you’ve got a big splash about a player signing an improved deal when, financially, everyone recognises the impact the virus has had on the economy and what it’s doing to businesses; how much investments and savings have taken a hit and how far it’s pushed us economically.

“So everything is on hold. Morally, I think it’s the right thing to do.”

United, who handed fresh terms to Enda Stevens and John Fleck before the season was mothballed, also announced earlier this week that their entire first team had followed in the footsteps of Wilder, assistant manager Alan Knill and chief executive Steve Bettis by deferring a slice of their salaries and bonus payments.

Bramall Lane’s hierarchy have also placed a number of people employed in casual or non-footballing roles on furlough as they look to address the problems caused by the disruption to the fixture calendar, although a statement issued earlier this month confirmed they will continue to be recompensed in full and that no application will initially be made to use the Government’s worker retention scheme.

“What the players have done is small,” Wilder said. “I hope they’re not singing from the rooftops about what they’ve done, and I know they won’t be, because it’s the least we can all do.

“We were asked to help as every other club have asked for help, and for me it’s not something that needs to be broadcast about in great detail. The professionalism of the players has been exceptional and we’re all just looking forward to getting up and running again when we can.”

An important message:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, please purchase a copy of our newspapers or subscribe to thestar.co.uk.

The coronavirus lockdown is having a major impact on many of our local advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive. That means we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers and subscribe to our website during this crisis.

Stay safe and take care. Thank you, James.