Sheffield United boss makes big contract prediction

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at Reading, which could see United reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2014, Wilder confirmed discussions with the trio remain ongoing after being opened before Christmas.

Although John Fleck’s decision to sign a new contract less than a month after being invited for talks has prompted some observers to express fears about the pace of United’s negotiations with Lundstram, Egan and Stevens, Wilder said: I believe there’s been progress. Everything between the agents and the club is ongoing.

“It’s not always a quick process to get things over the line.

“I respect that players want to get the best deals and that agents do too. But I don’t have any feeling that anyone wants to play their football elsewhere. If we did, then we would act on that.”

With Oliver Norwood also set to meet with United shortly after Wilder revealed he wants to extend and improve the midfielder’s agreement, the 52-year-old added: “The reason we’ve offered these deals is that we want to build on what has been a tremendous season so far.

“Offers will go out and hopefully the players will commit as John has done.”

United are chasing a place in Europe on two fronts after climbing to eighth in the Premier League table only a season after being promoted from the Championship.

Stevens could miss the visit to the Madejski Stadium with a calf injury, although the Republic of Ireland international has not be ruled-out just yet.

“We’re waiting on Enda but we won’t take any risks and there’s a couple of others we might not risk either,” Wilder, whose side face Norwich City in the PL this weekend, said. “It’s tough and go with Enda but he’ll be fit for Saturday if he misses this one.

“If it’s worth taking a risk towards the back end of the season then we’ll consider it. But not here and not now, with a lot to play for and a lot we can potentially achieve.”