Chris Wilder seems to have sent a warning to wantaway Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram.
Lundstram has rejected the offer of a new contract at Bramall Lane and will leave next summer when his current deal expires.
Burnley, Crystal Palace and Rangers are all thought to be interested in the 26-year-old. He is currently suspended after being sent off during the recent 1-1 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion.
There is a chance Lundstram could leave during the upcoming January transfer window. With him still having two matches of his suspension to serve, the Everton academy graduate could have played his last game for the Blades.
However, Wilder says someone will need to make an approach first.
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“There have been no enquiry for John Lundstram to me or the chief-executive, so he is still under contract,” the United manager told The Yorkshire Post.
“We have to assess that if someone comes in with a fee – and if it is worth doing it or not.
“My phone has not rung once regarding John. So I don’t think John moves in this window and that is the reason he has been involved with us.”
Is Sheffield United boss warning Lundstram?
Wilder does go on to praise the midfielder’s attitude, but the way he has handled the contract situation must grate.
Lundstram was one of the unexpected stars for the Blades as they impressed in their first Premier League season in 12 years.
Despite making only 10 Championship appearances in 2018/19, he featured in all but one of their top flight games last term and scored five goals.
Yet clearly Lundstram feels he has achieved all he can at United and wants to move on.
With things going as they are, the South Yorkshire club could well be back in the second tier by the time his deal expires next summer.
However, Wilder’s comments have a hint of a warning to Lundstram. That he may think he’s bigger than the Blades now, but current interest suggests that may not be the case.
Either way, having Lundstram in and around the team probably doesn’t send the right message or help build for the future.
