George Hirst helped England U20 win the Toulon Tournament in 2017

Sheffield Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay believes George Hirst could join Manchester United in the summer.

Hirst, 19, the son of former Sheffield Wednesday player David, has not played first-team football at Hillsborough this season after refusing to sign a new deal. Hirst's contract expires at the end of the season and United have been linked with him.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Luhukay admitted it would be "difficult" for the England U21 striker to turn down a club of United's stature.

Luhukay said: "It's a decision George will have to make himself. I think it's really difficult when a club as big as Manchester United has an interest in him to say no.

"George must decide how he sees his future and I respect that. A good decision or not a good decision, I cannot answer that."

Having progressed through the club's academy, Hirst rejected a new long-term contract at the end of last year. Sheffield Wednesday claimed the proposed deal would have made Hirst the highest-paid player of his age.

Hirst helped England U20 win the Toulon Tournament in France last summer, while Leicester and Everton have been linked with the striker.

Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri insisted the club have done everything in their power to keep Hirst and urged him to make a decision on his future last month.

Luhukay added: "This is the situation between George and the club of course. It's a very difficult situation and we must look in the future at what we can do."