Sheffield United: '˜I'm going nowhere' says out-of-contract '˜keeper

The Star understands that Nigel Adkins will announce the goalkeeper has agreed a new deal following Sunday’s match against Scunthorpe, which marks the end of the 2015/16 campaign.

Although United’s manager again refused to confirm whether Long, who is scheduled to become a free agent next month, will remain in South Yorkshire, the player himself said: “From my point of view, I want to stay. This is a great football club and it’s one I want to be at for a very, very long time.

“It’s up to the club to discuss things behind the scenes and then announce them when they choose. But, no, I don’t have plans to be going anywhere else.”

Long, who progressed through United’s youth system before making his debut in 2011, fought-off competition from Mark Howard to become Adkins’ preferred choice between the posts earlier this season. Adkins could choose to delay making an announcement about the 22-year-old’s contractual situation until completing his “one to one debriefs” with every member of United’s first team squad. But Long, acknowledging their failure to secure promotion has caused “a great deal of hurt”, already appears to possess information about Adkins’ summer recruitment plans.

“I’m confident we can get out next season,” Long said. “I’m sure we’ll have the strongest squad and, if we can carry on our recent form, then we’ve got a great chance.”