Sheffield United open to John Lundstram offers after midfielder fails to agree new contract

The 26-year-old Merseysider was one of the stars of the Blades’ exceptional 2019-20, scoring five goals in 34 Premier League appearances.

He benefited from a change of formation to 3-5-2 from the 3-4-1-2 they played in their promotion campaign, when he only started five Championship matches.

Lundstram’s contract was due to expire in June but his failure to sign a new deal caused the Blades to trigger a 12-month extension rather than lose him on a Bosman transfer. Manager Chris Wilder has warned for some time there was a limit to his patience and the club are now thought to be willing to listen offers for a player they signed on a free transfer from Oxford United in 2017.

It means Wilder will have to add a central midfielder to his shopping list as he looks to add depth to his squad in the summer transfer window.

Sander Berge competed with Lundstram for a place after his club record £23m January arrival, but his preferred position is the holding midfield role normally occupied by Oliver Norwood.

The Blades have reportedly had a £2m bid for Wigan Athletic left-back Antonee Robinson accepted. The 23-year-old had been expected to move on in January but a move to AC Milan fell through after he failed a medical.

Wilder is looking for greater competition at wing-back next season, while Wigan need to sell players after going into administration and suffering relegation to League One as a result. The Blades are reported to have met the 23-year-old’s post-relegation buyout clause.

Wing-backs Enda Stevens and George Baldock were Premier League ever-presents for the Blades last season. Ben Osborn was back-up to Republic of Ireland international Stevens, but played every game but the last after making his full league debut against Tottenham Hotspur in July in his preferred central midfield position.

Baldock’s deputy Kieron Freeman was released this summer. The Blades have been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Matty Cash.

The South Yorkshire club’s only signing to date is free agent Wes Foderingham, but he is seen more as a back-up goalkeeper, and if Manchester United recall Dean Henderson after two season-long loans, they may feel compelled to look for a more high-profile replacement.

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