Sheffield United reveal what Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest must do to sign Billy Sharp

Sharp has been linked with a host of clubs after falling down the pecking order at Bramall Lane, with Nottingham Forest and Leeds United also believed to be monitoring his availability.

But Wilder is keen to retain the striker, and says bids will only be accepted if they are ‘right’ for the club.

The Sheffield United boss, however, is not surprised to see second tier sides showing an interest in his club captain – and admits he would be making similar enquiries were he in Boro’s shoes.

“I spoke to him about three weeks ago about it (Sharp's future) knowing what was going to come up and that the question was going to be asked, and rightly so.” said Wilder, speaking to the Yorkshire Post.

“If I was in the Championship and needed someone to give us a boost and saw Billy wasn’t playing at Sheffield United, I’d ask the question (about whether he was available).

“But Billy's got an important part to play and he's had an important part to play because he's put huge pressure on Lys Mousset, Oli McBurnie and Callum Robinson. How good is it for them to learn from the likes of Billy and (David) McGoldrick?

“The example he’s setting and the influence he has on the players coming up from the Championship is huge.

“But the decision is with Bill. If he comes to me and says he needs to go, of course I'll respect that.

“If I was a top Championship club trying to get into the Premier League and needing a few goals, I'd ask the question but we’ll need him too before the end of the season.

“Our need is a greater one, or as great as those clubs in the Championship.

“If we receive bids from anybody we’ll assess and do what’s right for the football club.”