Sheffield United star takes part in pre-season despite uncertainty surrounding his future

John Lundstram is continuing to take full part in Sheffield United’s pre-season preparations, despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future at Bramall Lane.
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The midfielder appears destined to leave South Yorkshire before the end of his present contract, which expires next summer, after failing to negotiate a new deal with Chris Wilder’s side.

Rather than allow Lundstram to leave on a free - three years after paying £500,000 to sign him from Oxford - the United manager has instructed the Premier League club’s hierarchy to consider serious offers for a player who scored five goals in 36 appearances last season.

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However, although Wilder is known to be frustrated with the situation, he remains happy to allow Lundstram to work as usual with the first team squad ahead of September 14th’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers - United’s first outing of the 2020/21 campaign.

Indeed, unless he departs before Nuno Espirito Santo’s side make the journey north in 24 days time, Lundstram could find himself thrust into action during one of three warm-up fixtures Wilder hopes to arrange during the intervening period.

As The Star revealed after breaking the news of Wilder’s decision earlier this month, Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham are among at least four English top-flight sides to have shown an interest in Lundstram since his negotiations with United stalled. It has since emerged that Rangers are also exploring the possibility of taking Lundstram to Scotland although, as yet, no firm approach has been made.

The Glasgow giants are fighting to keep former Liverpool winger Ryan Kent at Ibrox after Leeds, who were promoted from the Championship last season, confirmed they want to take him back to England. Steven Gerrard, the Rangers manager and Anfield legend, has made it clear he wants to keep Kent after accusing United’s neighbours of coming nowhere near the player’s valuation.

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“They are way, way off with that opening bid,” Gerrard told the Scottish media earlier this week. “That’s the truth and the reality. He is a player who is not for sale and who we want to keep.”

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder talks to John Lundstram: Catherine Ivill/Getty ImagesSheffield United manager Chris Wilder talks to John Lundstram: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder talks to John Lundstram: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

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