Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder chose to confirm that they placed a bid for one particular much loved Wolves player a few years ago.
The reveal came ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League meeting between the two clubs at Bramall Lane with both clubs eyeing European qualification.
Wolves are fighting to keep hold of sixth place following a defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, whilst Wilder’s men got a 1-1 draw at Burnley, as they try to pick up their form following a dreadful restart.
The Star reported back in the summer of 2017 that representatives acting on behalf of the Blades made an approach for one of their defenders.
Sheffield United made a bid for Conor Coady just after Nuno Espirito Santo had been appointed.
Although two of the three parties involved in the proposed deal denied any knowledge of United’s interest, Wilder last night admitted that an offer was in fact lodged.
He said: “They are well led by their skipper, someone who I really admire and tried to bring to Bramall Lane.
“We tried to get him at the time Nuno landed and we were hoping he would try to sign a Portguese centre-half.
“But the boy from Liverpool, he carries himself so well and is a great captain.”
The 27 year old Wolves captain, now aged 27, played 50 times for the Blades after being signed on loan by David Weir at the beginning of the 2013/14 League One campaign which saw Wolves crowned champions, and Sheffield United finishing 7th.
He was later sold by Liverpool, going on to join Huddersfield Town for a fee believed to be around £500,000, where he made 45 appearances between 2014 and 2015, one of the three goals he scored came against Wolves, who he then signed for five years ago, winning the Championship and reaching the Europa League knockouts within that time.
Wilder has admitted there are similarities between their approach to football and the principles he has adopted since taking charge four years ago.
“I think, in terms of those principles, we are similar,” Wilder said of Wolves. “They’re very fit, very organised and they are not over bloated in terms of numbers.”
“I like watching them, they have some great players but they put their foot in and work hard too.
“Nuno’s passionate. When he went up against Neil Warnock (in the latter’s Cardiff City days) it was brilliant. He’s cool as a cucumber, suave and nice and doesn’t get involved in debate on other stuff but he enjoys it when they score and wants to win.
“I have a lot of respect for him, he’ll always have a drink after the match. He doesn’t moan as much as I do about decisions, he’s not an edgy northerner.
“The players they have are a tight-knit group, not over-bloated with numbers. They have goals at the top of the pitch and pace and power, defenders who want to defend and they’re a team.
“They’re excellently led by the skipper (Conor Coady), someone I tried to bring to the Lane. When Nuno arrived we were hoping they’d sign a Portuguese centre-half but they stuck with the Liverpool boy. They’re hard-working with a great desire, but also have that ability.”
Wilder also spoke on the use of extra substitutions and the drinks break. When asked ‘Does it favour for the top teams and should it go back to normal next season?’ he said: 100 per cent. 100 per cent. Why would it suit the likes of Burnley, why would it suit the likes of Sheffield United or Aston Villa or Norwich or any of them teams? Of course it wouldn’t.
“Of course it is going to suit the top clubs with a big array of superstars and talent and the best academies. Of course it is. I can’t 100 per cent understand why it gets changed mid-season.
“The drinks point of view, I have not seen this in the World Cup in June or July and if it is, they have done it off a suggestion. I certainly didn’t need a drinks break on Sunday afternoon at Burnley apart from having another Bovril, that would be my second Bovril that I have had in July in record of the history of having Bovrils.
“Usually, it is November, December, January that the old favourite comes out with a load of pepper in it. If you have a look, there are not many people having a drink or (they are) having a little sip, there is a lot huddling going on and togetherness going on and managers and coaches getting into the players. Like you said, the game has changed, it is not two halves now it is four quarters and there is a timeout in between. That is another change we have to get used to.”
He has spoke out on managers chatting to players in the drinks break: “We were told against Arsenal that we weren’t allowed to and then we saw Mikel (Arteta) gather the troops and start delivering a team talk.
“That directive from the Premier League had gone straight out of the window and we started talking. When they finished and we got back onto playing the game we got started again It is obvious to everyone what is going on. I don’t think I am saying anything that anyone has not seen or understands.”
…also Chris Wilder https://t.co/ip5c1iCSzH pic.twitter.com/n9zq8ck4Wq
— Doom and Gooner (@doomandgooner) July 7, 2020
Looking towards tomorrow’s game, Wolves boss Nuno looks set to keep keep a five-man midfield.
United’s Wilder could potentially welcome back Jack O’Connell, who came through 35 minutes as a second-half replacement at Burnley.
With John Lundstram and John Fleck unavailable due to injury, Wilder will have to pick Ben Osborn or Jack Rodwell for a place in midfield.
Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Osborn, Stevens; McBurnie, McGoldrick
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Neves, Jonny; Jota, Jimenez
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