Town chief relieved speculation surrounding Blades full back is quashed by Sheffield United boss Wilder

Hatters boss Nathan Jones was relieved to see the speculation surrounding Town's on-loan Sheffield United defender Rhys Norrington-Davies dismissed by Blades manager Chris Wilder.

There had been online rumours that the 21-year-old was interesting top flight duo West Bromwich Albion and Burnley last week, plus Town's Championship rivals Stoke City, the three clubs tipped to be preparing bids when the transfer window opens on January 4.

However, Wilder denied that was the case, confirming Norrington-Davies would be remaining at Kenilworth Road for the remainder of the campaign.

It came as a boost to Jones who has seen the full back impress during his 13 starts so far, doing enough to win a place in the Wales senior squad, going on to win three caps under Ryan Giggs.

Speaking this afternoon, he said: "It’s good to hear, we’ve got a very good relationship with Chris and I’ve got a very good relationship with Chris.

"I've got a lot of respect for him and the reason he let Rhys come here is one, he sees him going back there, but two, he knows that we try to create similar environments.

"We’ve come from similar upbringings, our careers have had similar pathways in terms of how we create certain things, he’s done an unbelievable job there and he sees similarities in how we develop our players.

"Now the only thing speculation does is unsettle certain people, so for Chris to come out is a massive thing for us to put that to bed.

"What we will do is keep developing him to a level that enhances the asset of Sheffield United and they know that.

"We're delighted that Chris came out, but we’ve got a fantastic relationship with Chris and we’re very pleased that he’s trusted Rhys with us.”