Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder sends defiant message to "media and agents" (and Neil Warnock) after John Fleck transfer claim

Chris Wilder wants John Fleck to stay at Sheffield United for life after more talk about the Scottish midfielder’s future today.

Neil Warnock, the former United manager, told Talksport this morning that he was sounded out about the possibility of signing John Fleck while manager of Cardiff City.

Warnock claimed there were concerns United might let Fleck go and that he was contacted by the Scot’s agent.

“I think they had been tempted to let him go two or three times,” Warnock claimed.

“I had his agent on a while ago saying 'I think he'll be leaving the club' but what's he done? He's done it on the pitch. He's worked his socks off, scored important goals and been part of that dressing room.

“They've got a great chance of getting in Europe. An absolutely great chance.”

But United hit back this morning with a tweet containing an image of Wilder hugging Fleck, with a quote from the manager: “He’s never been made available by us, not previously, not now. I want him to be a lifer at Bramall Lane. It’s that simple.”

The tweet added: “CW is John Fleck’s biggest fan. Cc: media & agents.”