BLADES TIE DOWN KEY DUO TO NEW DEALS

United skipper Billy Sharp has been rewarded for his impressive goalscoring form with a new contract.

The 33-year-old striker, who had scored 22 league goals for the Blades heading into yesterday’s trip to West Brom, will now stay at the club until the summer of 2021.

Boss Chris Wilder said: “Billy is a natural goalscorer for us, we are delighted we have negotiated so that he can extend his period with the club.

“I would imagine he is looking forward to more successful times, he looks after himself and has that drive and desire to keep pushing on.

“The group has evolved and improved in my time here and he has done likewise.”

Enda Stevens has also agreed new terms at Bramall Lane, committing his future to the club until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 28-year-old defender has broken into the Republic of Ireland squad since signing for United from Portsmouth in the summer of 2017.

Wilder added: “Enda has been outstanding since he came in. The way he plays the game, he has been a very important part of our progress in the past 18 months.

“I’ve always been a big fan of his. He has taken to Championship football really well and kicked on, which has resulted in him getting in the Ireland squad.

“It is also another sign that we are committed to rewarding impressive performances.”