Talks between Sheffield United and out-of-contract players progressing ahead of Premier League restart

Sheffield United are continuing the process of approving contract extensions for those members of their squad whose deals are scheduled to expire later this summer, after manager Chris Wilder expressed confidence that every player currently at his disposal will remain at Bramall Lane until the season is completed.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Although United have placed talks aimed at improving the terms and conditions of several star names on hold until the Covid-19 pandemic eases - “I don’t think…with everything else going on...that it would be a very good look” - Wilder has acknowledged discussions are underway aimed at ensuring the likes of Phil Jagielka, Jack Rodwell and Kieron Freeman - are still available for selection when the fixture suspension is lifted.

Speaking before Premier League clubs voted to resume contact training yesterday - ahead of a possible return to action next month - Wilder stated that he expected all of those shortly set to become free agents to accept United’s proposals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Approaches have also been made to the parent clubs of Dean Henderson, Panos Retsos, Mo Besic and Richairo Zivkovic designed to ensure their loans are extended until the end of July; by which time it is hoped the 92 matches left on the top-flight schedule will have been completed.

The only player not thought to have received an offer to extend his contract is midfielder Ricky Holmes, who has signalled his intention to retire because of a persistent back injury.

United were seventh in the table when English football entered lockdown in March.

An important message:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, please purchase a copy of our newspapers or subscribe to thestar.co.uk.

Sheffield United were seventh in the Premier League table when English football was suspended in March: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire.Sheffield United were seventh in the Premier League table when English football was suspended in March: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire.
Sheffield United were seventh in the Premier League table when English football was suspended in March: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire.

The coronavirus lockdown is having a major impact on many of our local advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive. That means we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers and subscribe to our website during this crisis.

Stay safe and take care. Thank you. James.