Despite speculation that Harrison Burrows could join Turkish club Trabzonspor, Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has confirmed that the player is still in his plans.

According to the Sheffield Star, the Blades manager is hesitant to move the left-back, despite a season that has seen him on the sidelines since Wilder returned to the dugout in September.

Burrows started 39 games in his debut season at Bramall Lane last year and was a key figure in their play-off run, scoring once and assisting three times over two legs against Bristol City before having a goal called out against Sunderland.

However, this season, the full-back has been overshadowed by the ascent of Sam McCallum, who backed up Burrows last year.

Having said that, Wilder appears to be content with the competition in that position and is hence hesitant to let one of them go this month.

Chris Wilder reacts to Harrison Burrows and Trabzonspor’s links with Sheffield United

On Friday night, Sky Sports reported that Sheffield United had rejected a first bid of £3.5 million from Turkish club Trabzonspor for Burrows, with a second offer of £5 million being considered.

After the Blades’ 4-3 FA Cup loss to League One Mansfield Town, Wilder praised Burrows as a crucial player in his plans for Bramall Lane.Wilder told the Sheffield Star, “I don’t want to lose any players, but understanding that if something comes, and everyone thinks it’s right from a financial point of view… but I’m trying to build, and Harrison has been a part of that.”He’s currently battling Sammy [McCallum]. He won the battle last year, and Sammy is winning it this season. “He faces a challenge to join the team, but as a young player, he remains a valuable asset.”If the owners and CEO say, ‘We really have to explore this,’ I’d like to think I’ll be a part of the discussion.”

Potential financial concerns this summer could lead to a Harrison Burrows trade being sanctioned by Sheffield United

Wilder clearly does not want Burrows to leave this month, and with the 24-year-old still under contract until 2028, there is no need to release him this month.

However, the Sheffield Star goes on to say that if the Blades stay in the Championship next season, the expiration of their Premier League parachute payments may necessitate cashing in on sellable assets.

With Burrows still a young, developing left-back with loads of attacking potential, there’s little doubt that he’ll be a target for buyers this summer.

And if McCallum maintains his starting berth on the left side of Wilder’s back five, the 24-year-old may be expendable.

However, Wilder stated that he hopes to participate in those conversations if they occur. And he’ll be hoping that, given that the league campaign is fully focused between now and May, his Blades side can continue to climb the table and potentially land in the play-offs at the conclusion of the season.

If that happens, and Sheffield United is promoted to the Premier League in the summer, the pressure to sell will be reduced.