Sheffield United outline their plans for Billy Sharp and Ravel Morrison

The Scottish Premiership champions are reportedly monitoring the centre-forward’s situation in South Yorkshire following his frustrating start to the new campaign.

Ten of Sharp’s eleven appearances in the Premier League this term have come from the bench, the latest being during last night’s defeat by Liverpool.

Wilder, who also defended Ravel Morrison’s contribution in South Yorkshire after the midfielder emerged as a target for ADO Den Haag, said: “Billy, it’s understandable. I’d be looking at him if I wasn’t here. I’ve always been very consistent with the message that, until Billy comes to me and says he has to play regular first team football, then he’ll be here. And he hasn’t.”

“We’ve had calls of people and enquiries,” Wilder added. “I’m open and honest. I’ve told Billy this club has come in for him and that club has come in for him. But he’s always said no, and that he wants to stay here until at least the end of the season.”

Sharp, aged 33, is a legendary figure at United after scoring 103 goals for the club he has supported since childhood. Having progressed through the youth system at Bramall Lane before joining Scunthorpe in 2005, he returned two years later before embarking upon his third spell with United at the beginning of the 2015/16 season. He was a driving force behind the squad Wilder to the 2017 League One title and subsequently into the top-flight.

Morrison, signed on a free transfer after United climbed out of the Championship last term, has struggled for opportunities under Wilder and is a thought to be a target for the Dutch club.

But Wilder, confirming he will join Sharp in the side which faces AFC Fylde in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, said: “It’s the same for Rav, Richard Stearman and Kean Bryan. The reason they’ve not played is the form of others, position specific. T

“he boys, other than at Liverpool, have produced top quality and consistent performances. There has never been an issue with anybody’s attitude, including Ravel, He has been as good as gold. He will play Sunday.”