Sheffield United: Manager received offers from both co-owners before indicating he will stay at Bramall Lane

Both Kevin McCabe and HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa'ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud asked manager Chris Wilder to extend his contract with Sheffield United, The Star understands, long before he called for their dispute to be resolved.
Sheffield United manager Chris WilderSheffield United manager Chris Wilder
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder

Wilder, who is poised to sign a new deal following weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future at Bramall Lane, is thought to have been presented with the offers midway through last season; around the time the co-owners’ partnership effectively broke down.

Although the exact details of the proposal handed to Wilder and his representative are unknown, sources close to the Championship club have confirmed it runs for three years, includes an enhanced remuneration package and supersedes the agreement which previously tied him to Bramall Lane until the summer of 2020. That was ratified during the immediate aftermath of United’s League One title triumph 12 months ago. They finished 10th in the Championship last term, entering the penultimate match of the campaign still chasing play-off qualification.

Alan Knill, Chris Wilder and Kevin McCabe when the 50-year-old was appointed two years ago 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reservedAlan Knill, Chris Wilder and Kevin McCabe when the 50-year-old was appointed two years ago 
©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved
Alan Knill, Chris Wilder and Kevin McCabe when the 50-year-old was appointed two years ago ©2016 Sport Image all rights reserved

Speaking after that match - a 1-0 defeat by fellow top six contenders Preston North End - Wilder used his post-match media conference to call for “clarity” and “harmony” behind the scenes, before going on to warn the issue between Prince Abdullah and McCabe could force him to consider his position.

The two men both launched bids for sole-control in January, following months of boardroom unrest. But, as this newspaper first revealed, they met in London earlier this week to discuss the situation and its potential impact upon both Wilder and his transfer plans.

Sunderland’s prospective new owners had attempted to exploit the impasse between Prince Abdullah and McCabe by making it known he featured on a short-list of names for the managerial vacancy at the Stadium of Light. They are now expected to look elsewhere in their search.