Sheffield United boss, Chris Wilder, has played down any reports that Billy Sharp could be set to leave the club in January.
Despite saying before the Man City game that the club would do the best for Sharp if he wanted to move on, there seems to have been a change in tact from the Blades gaffer.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Liverpool on Thursday, Wilder painted a pretty clear picture when it came to his skipper.
“There are hundreds of reports linking people everywhere,” Wilder said (Sheffield Star).
“Billy’s a fantastic player, he doesn’t want to go anywhere and I don’t want him to go anywhere. So as far as I’m concerned that’s the end of the conversation with him.”
It had been reported across various sources that Leeds United could be interested in bringing Sharp back to Elland Road. However, Wilder’s latest comments appear to have quashed any talk of that.
Important piece of the jigsaw
Despite his playing time being at a premium, Sharp is still vital for the Blades.
Nobody epitomises the club and the direction it’s gone under Wilder more than Sharp. Aside from the obvious goal threat he brings, his experience and love for the club is crucial.
He leads the team in training and on the field. Indeed, even when not involved, it’s clear Sharp has quite the influence around the place.
Sometimes a squad needs someone of that presence. Sharp won’t let anyone get ahead of themselves and with some younger strikers on the books, he’ll be able to help those players along too.
Chris Wilder and Billy Sharp go hand in hand when it comes to Sheffield United at the moment. There’s little reason, then, for Wilder to be in any rush to move on the club’s top marksman just yet.