Sheffield United transfer targets appear destined for elsewhere, despite morale boosting win over Man Utd

Although reports that Davies is poised to sign a pre-contract agreement with Neil Lennon’s side have been described by sources north of the border as “premature”, Preston North End manager Alex Neil has refused to offer any guarantees the centre-half will remain at Deepdale beyond Monday’s transfer deadline.

United expressed an interest in Davies earlier this season, when the defender refused to extend his deal with the Championship club.

Wilder attempted to revive talks with the 25-year-old and his employers before the window reopened earlier this month. But after being informed United would only consider the possibility of brokering temporary agreements, they proved impossible to progress.

Rangers and Udinese are also known to have been monitoring Davies’ situation closely.

“I haven’t really heard anything about Celtic, apart from what was in the paper,” Neil told the Lancashire Post newspaper. “Ben hasn’t said a word to be about this. He’s been good all the way through.”

“As far as I’m aware from the discussions I’ve had before with Ben, he has so far committed to certainly being here until at least the end of the season.

"That has been the discussion I’ve had to this point. Naturally, that is subject to change but I’ve not been aware of any change.”

Lingard, aged 28, had also been approached about the possibility of a switch to South Yorkshire as United attempt to steer themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone.

The England international sat out last night’s meeting between the two clubs, which United won 2-1 thanks to goals in each half from Kean Bryan and Oliver Burke.

However, West Ham are now in pole position to secure his signature; leaving Wilder facing the possibility that his efforts to draft in reinforcements could draw a blank.

United enter Saturday’s game against Manchester City 10 points adrift of safety, but having won four of their last five outings in all competitions.

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