UPDATE: How long will Chris Wilder's new Sheffield United contract be for and when will he sign it?

Although the deal is not expected to be officially signed today, sources at the Championship club have confirmed moves to secure the 50-year-old's future are "in the pipeline" following discussions between co-owners Kevin McCabe and HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa'ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two men, who both control 50 per cent stakes in United's parent company Blades Leisure Limited, launched rival takeover bids midway through last term.

Wilder, who had complained a lack of "clarity" and "harmony" could force him out of Bramall Lane, guided his squad to a 10th placed finish in the Championship, despite a budget which suggested it should have been battling against relegation and only 12 months after securing promotion from League One.

Sunderland's prospective new owners had expressed an interest in speaking to Wilder when, as expected, their buy-out is ratified by the English Football League. But they will be forced to look elsewhere if, as seems likely, he commits his future to Bramall Lane.

Wilder's previous contract was set to expire in 2020.