Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder

With Chris Basham expected to reach an agreement extendingÂ his own stay at Bramall Lane, Chris Wilder and his staff are set to open talks with the 30-year-old's fellow defenders aimed at securing their futures.

All three started the 1-0 victory over Hull City earlier this month, which saw United climb to the top of the Championship table.

Enda Stevens (centre) with John Egan (left)

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Stevens and Freeman, who could find themselves on opposing sides when Wales visit the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on TuesdayÂ night, are both approaching the final 18 months of their present deals.Â

After playing crucial roles in United's transformation under Wilder, club officials are set to begin negotiations with their respective representatives before the Christmas period as the manager looks maintain the consistency he believes is partly responsible for results in recent months.

Stevens, together his compatriot John Egan, could win their latest caps for the Republic when Ryan Giggs' squad travel to the Aviva Stadium. Freeman, who was drafted into the Welsh squad last week, has yet to make a senior appearance at international level. United's Ben Woodburn, on loan from Liverpool, has also been selected by Ryan Giggs.

Basham, previously of Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool, has spent nearly four-and-a-half seasons in South Yorkshire after leaving Bloomfield Road in 2014. Like Freeman, he was a member of the team which lifted the League One title during Wilder's first campaign at the helm before helping United mount a play-off challenge last term.

Kieron Freeman

Like Basham, Stevens was signed on a free transfer after helping Portsmouth win promotion from League Two a year ago.

United return to action when they face eight-placed Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday.Â