Sheffield United: I don’t fear losing Quinn – but I do expect to lose him, says Wilson

The Irishman has been in outstanding form so far this season, with Charlton Athletic and long-time admirers Blackpool leading the hunt to sign him – and while manager Wilson would be delighted if he is still a Blades player by next weekend, he remains doubtful.

The future of the 26-year-old has been up in the air all summer, with United keen to cut playing costs following their failure to clinch promotion back to the Championship so that they stay in line with new Football League Financial Fair Play regulations.

Nick Montgomery and Richard Cresswell were not involved in Tuesday night’s League One draw at Coventry City for financial reasons – and are set to be missing again this weekend – with the club forced to make some tough decisions in order to slash their budget.

While there is no suggestion Quinn, another of the Blades’ top earners, will be left out ahead of the deadline, Wilson appreciates that his star player – who is ambitious to play in the second tier or above – may be sold if the club receives an acceptable offer for his services.

Wilson said: “He (Quinn) is a bright lad.

“I don’t fear losing him, but I expect to lose him before the end of the month.

“When you have somebody like him in your team, people are always going to look.

“If we don’t lose him, it will be a real bonus.

“He has had a great start to the season. But that doesn’t surprise me because he is a top quality player; he was outstanding at Coventry.

“It would be difficult to lose him and the experience he brings to the side.

“I have to say I’m happy no one has come in for him so far, but he is an excellent player and he wants to play at the highest level possible.

“I had him as a kid on loan at MK Dons and since then, I have watched him progress and develop as a player.”