Chris Wilder has admitted transfer interest in Gus Hamer as he insists that the player remains committed to Sheffield United.

Wilder was careful with his wording when he was asked about Hamer’s future immediately after a goalless draw with Bochum in a pre-season friendly. He didn’t rule out business but didn’t sound like he was opening the door for a move either. The player is being heavily linked with a return to Coventry City as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.

The Sheffield press believes that Sheff Utd will stick to their guns on an asking price – and will be prepared to sanction an exit only if and when that is met. Hamer is in the final year of his contract at Bramall Lane, having moved from Coventry for about £15 million in the summer of 2023.

Wilder said: “I don’t know if you realise, but I’ve just walked off the pitch. I’ve had five minutes with my team and walked up to the media room.

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“We’ll check in, but Gus had a red and white shirt on today. You’ve seen his actions. You’ve seen his attitude towards the game. You’ve seen the positions he got in. You saw his reaction when a couple of things didn’t come off.

“He’s not come to me and said he didn’t want to play or this, that and the other. There has been interest, of course. I think that’s out there, but as far as I’m concerned, he’s a Sheffield United player. He’s put his shirt on and he’s given everything for the club, which I expect of every one of my players.”

Wilder and Hamer had been given ovations the previous day when they then met supporters in a Bochum city centre bar..

The Sheffield Star reports: “The main event was an appearance from Wilder, his staff and the entire playing squad who have made the trip, including popular star man Gus Hamer. He is being heavily linked with a return to Coventry City and was mobbed by supporters wanting selfies, who then reported he’d told them that he’s going nowhere.

“That’s to be expected of course – he was never going to tell them that he’s on his bike – but it was another timely reminder of the love for him amongst Unitedites. Whether it proves enough to keep him is another thing; the ball is in Coventry’s court on that one, in terms of whether they meet United’s asking price.”

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