Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder is hoping to tie down the likes of John Egan, Enda Stevens, John Fleck and John Lundstram to new contracts in the near future.

The four players have all been linked with potential moves away from Bramall Lane in recent months, with Lundstram’s future, in particular, in need of addressing with the 25-year-old within the final six months of his current deal.

Wilder has, however, insisted that the Yorkshire club were simply looking to prioritise January signings before turning their attention to contract renewals:

“The core that have done fantastically well for us in recent years, I’m very keen to tie down. The boys that are the heartbeat of the team and the club, I want to secure their services. It’s reward for their consistent performances and hopefully, we’ll have some good news in the upcoming weeks.”

“The focus is on the next game now. I want to get these boys tied in and rewarded, and move onto the next piece of business we’re trying to do.”

While Egan, Fleck and Stevens appear to be assured of their starts, Lundstram’s future has been placed in further doubt by the arrival of Sander Berge from Genk for a club-record £22m fee.

The Norwegian took Lundstram’s place in the side for the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend and it remains to be seen whether the midfielder can find his way back into the team.