Why contract talks with key Sheffield United players are taking a little longer

When John Fleck scribbled his moniker across a new deal, only three or so weeks after being invited to hold talks, it intensified the spotlight on the trio in question. Why, some observers asked, had he reached an agreement so quickly when John Lundstram, Enda Stevens and John Egan continued to negotiate.

Wilder’s position, however, remained steadfast: Nothing suspicious or nefarious is going on.

So with one of Fleck’s team mates now ready to accept their proposal, United will hope it quashes some of the more mischievous speculation surrounding their intentions.

“We hopefully might have a bit of news in the next 48 hours regarding one of the players, so hopefully that’s another one ticked off.” Wilder, the United manager, revealed earlier today. “But all of the boys want to stay here, as I’ve always said.”

Although Wilder declined to name the player in question, if all goes well United could make an announcement ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Norwich City. When Brighton and Hove Albion travelled to Bramall Lane a fortnight ago, Wilder arrived at the stadium knowing Fleck had decided to put pen to paper. But the news was not relayed to the public, via mainstream and social media, until a quarter-of-an-hour before kick-off in an attempt to rev-up the home crowd. With Wilder warning City will prove difficult opposition despite their troubles so far this term, it is a tactic United could employ again; particularly given Wilder’s repeated references to the importance of solidarity and togetherness during his latest pre-match press conference.

The protracted nature of United’s negotiations with Lundstram, Egan and Stevens are both a symptom and a reflection of the rapid progress the club has made in recent seasons rather than a desire on the player’s part to explore potential options elsewhere.

An agreement with Fleck was reached relatively quickly because, as Wilder recently acknowledged, United became aware there was concrete interest in his services from Arsenal and West Ham during the recent transfer window.

Although Stevens, Lundstram and Egan are also known to boast admirers elsewhere, it is understood they are yet to attract any firm bids, with their suitors preferring to wait until the summer before breaking cover.

That has given both their representatives and United a little more breathing space, while it also must be remembered that Lundstram and Egan are taking part in their first major contract renegotiations since moving to South Yorkshire in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Stevens’s terms and conditions were revised last year but, like Lundstram and Egan, the wing-back’s reputation has soared following United’s promotion to the top-flight. He is now, like his compatriot John Egan, an established member of the Republic of Ireland squad which hopes to take part in this summer’s European Championships.

The complexity of PL contracts, which include clauses relating to things like image and sponsorship rights, are also far more elaborate than those ordinarily handed-out in the English Football League; meaning discussions inevitably take longer.

Having prepared for City’s visit ranked eighth in the table - 12 places above Daniel Farke’s side - United also find themselves in a position where agents will want to investigate potential European qualification bonuses while Bramall Lane’s hierarchy attempt to keep salary costs under control.

“If I thought anyone was looking elsewhere or wanted out,” Wilder reminded before the draw with Albion, “Then we’d take care of that, of course. But the fact is, I don’t. That’s not the case at all.”

“Players want the best deals, the club wants the best deals and the agents want the best deals,” he added. “That’s normal and I respect that.”