Blades boss dismisses transfer speculation surrounding on-loan Luton defender Norrington-Davies

Wilder insists full back will stay with the Hatters
Rhys Norrington-Davies in action for the Hatters on SaturdayRhys Norrington-Davies in action for the Hatters on Saturday
Rhys Norrington-Davies in action for the Hatters on Saturday

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has poured cold water on transfer speculation surrounding a move for on-loan Luton full back Rhys Norrington-Davies.

The 21-year-old agreed a season-long switch to Kenilworth Road in the summer and has impressed greatly since arriving, with 13 starts in all competitions.

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He has also caught the eye of Wales national boss Ryan Giggs, promoted from the U21s to earn a senior debut for his country recently, winning three caps in total.

There had been online rumours that the defender’s form meant he was a target for Premier League sides West Bromwich Albion and Burnley, plus, more unlikely, Stoke City, the trio lining up bids when the transfer window opens again on Monday, January 4.

However, they were way off the mark according to Wilder, as speaking to Yorkshire Live, he said: “No intentions to recall him at all, he's there for the season, he's committed to Luton for the season.

"He's doing fabulously well.

"The situation here is that we are missing Jack O'Connell and I envisage that we bring in somebody with experience to fill that position in January and obviously at left wing-back we have Enda (Stevens) and Max Lowe as well.

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“He's done great, every hurdle that has been put in front of him he has got over.

"It's doing him no harm being at a good club with an excellent manager at both club level and international level.

"He's had an opportunity and he has taken it with both hands.

"We will monitor his progress, and we will assess it at the end of the season what we do and where he goes with it.

"I am not looking to sell any of my young players."

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Norrington-Davies was recalled to the Town team on Saturday after missing the last two games at Rotherham and Huddersfield, coming close to a first goal in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers, his right footed shot not missing by much.

Despite being away on international duty for the past fortnight, the defender, voted the club's Diamond Season Ticket holders' player of the month for September, looked fresh and full of running once more as Luton chief Nathan Jones added: "I think he’s been brilliant.

"I really love the kid in terms of he’s a front-footed defender, and we’re delighted with him.

"The fact he goes away with Wales is not ideal for us as he doesn't get any rest, but he played well, really found his confidence and I thought he was absolutely excellent, I really, really did.

"There were a number of people like that that put in good performances."