Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram will not be joining Rangers this summer.
That’s according to Football Insider, who say that Lundstram is not considering a move to Ibrox.
The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and Gers have registered their interest.
In fact, as a foreign club they could actually secure a pre-contract agreement with Lundstram.
If the Blades man wanted to join the current Scottish Premiership leaders that is – which it’s claimed he doesn’t.
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If not Rangers, then what next for John Lundstram?
The future of Lundstram remains unclear. It seems highly unlikely he will stay at Bramall Lane, though, having failed to agree a new deal following months of talks.
Lundstram did offer some hope recently when he said “everything’s still on the table” in terms of his future.
If he were to remain in South Yorkshire it would surely depend on United avoiding relegation from the Premier League.
Which seems a tall order as things stand, with Chris Wilder’s side currently bottom and 12 points from safety.
Lundstram apparently does have offers from other sides in the top flight of English football. Burnley and Crystal Palace have both previously shown interest in him.
It’s thought Lundstram wants to earn around £40,000-a-week as part of his next contract.
It’s a request that would not be beyond the financial reach of most Premier League clubs. However, the Blades would have to slightly increase their own wage structure.
It’s believed the highest earners at Bramall Lane are currently on around £30,000-a-week.
Replacing Lundstram
Recent comments from the midfielder might make some fans think he will be staying put.
Which isn’t impossible, but it still highly unlikely.
In reality, United need to be planning for life without Lundstram as of 2021/22. In fact, you can bet Wilder and his recruitment team already are.
Lundstram has been key for the 53-year-old since their promotion to the top flight in 2019. As a box-to-box player, he fits nicely into Wilder’s preferred 3-5-2 system.
Yet if, as expected, the Blades are relegated then that formation might be tweaked. After all, when they were promoted in 2018/19, Wilder deployed a number ten behind the two strikers.
There was no place for Lundstram in the starting XI then.
It’s still not clear what division United will be playing in next term. Or if Lundstram will still be there.
But you can be sure Wilder is preparing for all eventualities.
