Sheffield Utd boss Wilder eager to keep Osborn

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has revealed that contract talks have started with Ben Osborn.

The utility player is now 29 and is one who Wilder values a great deal, having signed him in 2019.

Osborn can play at left-wing-back and as a left midfielder, offering a lot of versatility.

He's the water carrier, isn't he? He's brilliant," Wilder said of Osborn after a 2-2 draw with Chelsea.

I'm not so sure why he thinks he can beat the Chelsea goalkeeper off his right peg, leaning back, in the 98th minute.

He thinks he can stick it in the top corner. But yet again he's one that gives us everything and one we'll be looking at... he's been excellent since I came [back] in.

I know what he's about, he's a team player. If he plays, he plays and if not he gives his best. Those are the players that are really invaluable to have around the place and do a job, wherever it is.

We've got two left-backs out injured so we're asking Auston to do a job for us, but we know Ben can do a job in the middle of the park and his knowledge and understanding of the game was really good. I thought he was excellent in there with the three of them."

We've spoken to Ben about extending," Wilder added.

He's got an option on his contract and he's one we would like to work with next year."