United invited representatives of Enda Stevens, John Egan and John Lundstram to the negotiating table last year, as they looked to reward members of Chris Wilder’s first-team squad for their impressive start to life in the Premier League.

And today, it was revealed that tentative talks have begun between the club and John Fleck, the Scottish international who has been in fine form for the Blades after making his long-overdue Premier League debut on the opening day of the season.

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John Fleck of Sheffield Utd celebrates his goal with David McGoldrick: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

While Fleck stopped short of saying he was in contract talks with United, he confirmed preliminary discussions had taken place.

“I wouldn’t say I’m in talks,” Fleck admitted.

“We’ve had one conversation but that’s been it so far. We’ll see what happens. Nothing is imminent.”