Sheffield United: Wilder's delight as goalie George Long signs new two-year Blades deal

The 22-year-old goalkeeper put pen to paper earlier today, having agreed to stay at Bramall Lane a week ago following talks with the new United boss.

"I am glad it's finally sorted and George can now come back in for pre-season training later this month fully focused on his football," Wilder said.

"It's great that he has committed the next chapter of his career to the Club and hopefully now we can move forward together."

Long, who was born in Sheffield and came through United's youth academy, made 38 starts last season as United finished 11th in League One. He is currently the oldest goalkeeper on United's books after Mark Howard was released. Young professionals Aaron Ramsdale and Jake Eastwood also contracted for the foreseeable future.

Long added: “It is great to sign and now we can move on and look forward to getting the season started.

“Obviously, the change of manager has delayed negotiations which were ongoing under Nigel Adkins. But a player's contract takes a back seat when there’s a change of manager at the club, but the new gaffer wanted a new hands on approach to dealing with contracts.”

See tomorrow's Sheffield Star for more from Long.