Sheffield United boss breaks silence on player’s imminent departure to Championship rivals after pull-out decision

Chris Wilder admits Anis Slimane’s decision to pull out of Sheffield United’s squad for tonight’s EFL Cup tie at Barnsley was “disappointing” after the Tunisian international edged closer to a move to Championship rivals Norwich City. Slimane was earmarked to play in the Blades’ 1-0 defeat at Oakwell but was instead absent from the squad.

As we revealed earlier the 23-year-old had emerged as a target for the Canaries - who United played on Saturday, with Slimane coming off the bench - ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline, with the player subsequently informing Wilder just before the game that he was not in the right frame of mind to face Darrell Clarke’s side.

And speaking after Max Watters’ winner sent them out of the cup at the second round stage, Wilder said: “He was named in the team, we did the work yesterday and named the team today. And at half four, there was a situation where he wasn’t involved. That will come out in the wash which is obviously disapponting. I believe there’s a deal with Norwich that’s imminent, he didn’t think he was in the right frame of mind to play and so he didn’t. So that wasn’t the best of starts to our afternoon and night.”

United made 11 changes to their side from Saturday’s draw at Carrow Road but failed to spark their 5,000 away fans behind one goal, with Sydie Peck and Rhian Brewster both hitting a post in either half.

“Congratulation to Darrell and Barnsley. they made it difficult for us. It was a step up and a different type of game from the previous round. I said to the young players: ‘Welcome to men’s football,’ A local derby away from home. For me, we had to go and get the first goal and in the second half, we gave the impetus up. And made it the game they wanted it to be, by our poor decisions.

“Then, for me, there was a period with a lack of urgency in our play. We’re trying to play a different way and build but it’s not slow and ponderous. But there was no energy until Gus [Hamer] came on and sparked it off, and for the last 20 or 25 minutes we have to find a bit of quality if we’re going to be a top Championship side. Despite all the changes we made.”