'You people are too soft' - Sheffield United manager laughs off a claim about John Lundstram ahead of Chelsea clash

Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, has rubbished a claim that John Lundstram’s refusal to agree a new contract has cast a shadow over his team’s preparations for their visit to Chelsea.
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Despite rejecting what Wilder insists was a ‘take-it-or-leave it’ offer following talks between club officials and his agent, Lundstram could be thrust into action at Stamford Bridge because Ethan Ampadu, who replaced him in the starting eleven against Manchester City last weekend, is ineligible for selection.

Asked by one journalist if Lundstram’s situation has caused a distraction behind the scenes, Wilder, who admits to being frustrated by the midfielder’s decision, replied: “It’s got nothing to do with the other players, has it, John’s contract. Honestly, I think sometimes you boys look into things too deeply. ‘How is he?’ ‘How are they?’ Stop being so soft with them.

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“He (Lundstram) is a professional footballer, a grown man, on good money. We want to give him a little bit more. He doesn’t want to take what we want to give him.

“So have some b***s, pick yourself up and show that great team spirit you are always on about - that’s my message.”

Having started all of United’s Premier League games this season until the meeting with City, Lundstram’s appearance on the bench for that match was the clearest sign yet that Wilder believes the former England under-20 international will leave Bramall Lane either in January or as a free agent at the end of the present campaign.

However, after recruiting Ampadu on loan from Frank Lampard’s side, competition rules mean United are unable to call upon the youngster’s services on Saturday evening. Lundstram and Oliver Norwood are both vying to replace Ampadu in the capital, where Sander Berge is again set to be tasked with providing support for centre-forwards Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie.

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“If I thought John was a terrorist, then he wouldn’t be involved in the 18 at all,” Wilder, whose side have taken only a point from their opening seven outings, said. “But he isn’t, and that’s why he is involved. That doesn’t bother me. What does is that nobody, apart from maybe Sander, is saying to me ‘You can’t leave me out’ at the moment.”

Sheffield United's John Lundstram (left) could feature at Chelsea despite refusing a new contract: Oli Scarff/NMC Pool/PA Wire.Sheffield United's John Lundstram (left) could feature at Chelsea despite refusing a new contract: Oli Scarff/NMC Pool/PA Wire.
Sheffield United's John Lundstram (left) could feature at Chelsea despite refusing a new contract: Oli Scarff/NMC Pool/PA Wire.

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