Sheffield United set to gamble on contract situation

In a move that places a question mark over Kean Bryan’s future at Bramall Lane, Paul Heckingbottom, who has been placed in caretaker charge until May following Chris Wilder’s controversial departure, admitted his responsibilities do not include influencing which squad members are invited to the negotiating table or cut loose.

However, the 43-year-old did confirm he is ready to be consulted should United’s hierarchy, which contains only one football professional with proven technical expertise, decide to accelerate the process. Heckingbottom made the gesture after warning he will not hesitate to axe anyone he suspects of “not giving everything” from his starting eleven, in an effort to prevent a campaign which appears destined to end in relegation from spiralling out of control.

“I wouldn’t be able to tell you who is out of contract,” Heckingbottom said, revealing he focused on preparing for yesterday’s FA Cup tie at Chelsea during his first week at the helm. “If I’m asked for an opinion, I will give it.

“But it’s not something I can do now. I’m just looking to see the players get the same attention from me and everyone else here that they had in the past.”

Although United accept John Lundstram is unlikely to accept their offer of an improved contract, Bryan has impressed after being handed an opportunity due to a spate of injuries. Another defender, Phil Jagielka, is also set to become a free agent after being handed fresh terms by Wilder last summer.

“We’re putting all our energy into trying to get the lads ready for the games,” Heckingbottom said, ahead of the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, which saw United exit at the quarter-final stage.

“That’s the big priority for me and everyone else here. That, I’m sure everyone can appreciate, is how it’s got to be. It’s the only way.”

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