Joy for George Long after sealing new deal with Sheffield United

The boyhood Blades fan established himself as the club’s number one last year ahead of Mark Howard and has handed manager Chris Wilder a boost by agreeing fresh terms after contemplating the club’s offer for several weeks.

Long, 22, who made 38 appearances for the club last term, said: “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 players 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.”

Wilder added: “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.

“It’s great that he has committed the next chapter of his career to the club and hopefully now we can move forward together.”

The Blades, who have already brought in Mark Duffy and Chris Hussey and are chasing several other players, return to pre-season training on June 23.