Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson says he is keen to keep hold of 22-year-old defender Matt Lowton, who is understood to be a target of Town and Blackpool. Earlier today, reports claimed the Blades had put a £4 million price tag on the Chesterfield-born youngster.

Wilson said: “He did fantastic here last season and we are trying to tie all our younger lads down and keep them here longer.

“We have not had any approaches for Matt and, at the same time, we would not encourage them anyway.

“He is one of the young lads who have done very well since breaking into the team and I want him to keep progressing with us.”

Wilson is a fan of Lowton’s versatility: “Matt can play numerous roles but he seems to be excelling in the right-back position at the moment.

“We want him to enjoy that role but if we are struggling for cover as the season goes on in other positions then I’m sure he will be happy to fill in.

“It is going to be Matt’s first full season and we just want him to keep progressing and getting better with us.”

Elsewhere, sources said to be close to released Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker are reported to have played down last night’s reports that the former England U21 international skipper had spoken to Town.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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