Wilson persuades teenager Slew to remain with Blades

Slew, 18, spent the summer thinking over his future after the Blades blocked his chance to move to Premier League Fulham.

His decision to stay is a major boost for new manager Danny Wilson, who regards the development of young players this season as key to the club’s future. The Blades have also agreed a deal to sign former Liverpool winger Ryan Flynn from Scottish club Falkirk for around £150,000.

Edinburgh-born Flynn, 22, spent four years at Anfield without impacting on the first team.

Slew’s deal, which secures his future until summer 2013, is likely to be signed today before the Blades fly to Malta on tour.

Capped twice at England Under-19 level, the Sheffield-born striker scored two goals in five starts at the end of last season as the Blades suffered relegation from the Championship.

He was also in the side that reached the final of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

With pressure to reduce the wage bill, the Blades have sold strikers Darius Henderson and Jamie Ward, to Millwall and Derby, respectively, and are looking to offload Ched Evans. That will leave just Daniel Bogdanovic and Richard Cresswell as senior strikers – with Slew set to push hard.

Wilson said: “We think we have convinced him that his future lies here. It will be a big bonus for everyone and Jordan can settle down. This has never been about money, it’s been about the player and what is best for his career.

“We have convinced him that his best interests are served by staying at Sheffield United. We can offer him the chance of improving and, if he scores his goals, the opportunity will come along again.”

Fulham offered £500,000 for Slew but the bid was firmly rejected by the Blades who believe the youngster is worth closer to £3m. Celtic also made enquiries.

“He’s been getting advice from all angles but had no experience to fall back on,” said Wilson. “A boy his age should only be thinking about his football and I think, maybe, he got a bit confused about what was best. It has not been easy putting this together.

“A lot of hard work has gone into it from not only myself but Scott McCabe (director) and Carl Shieber (head of the football administration). It shows the way we are trying to develop the club, by getting the best of the young local lads signed up.”