Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder admits he wished Dominic Calvert-Lewin was still playing for the Blades.

The pair will reunite as opponents when Everton travel to Bramall Lane on Monday.

Wilder managed the England forward twice before in his career, first when bringing him as an 18-year-old on loan to Northampton town, then when he got the job as Sheffield United manager in 2016.

Wilder said: “I know he's a massive United fan and I know how much this club means to him. But he had to look after himself and his career. He was still a young player here.

“The big thing is that when the Premier League comes knocking like it did for Rammers (Aaron Ramsdale), Brooksy (David Brooks) and Dom, you can't do anything about it.

“It might sound daft, but the money we got for three or four players was, at the time, hugely important.

“We had to trim to get value for money and use the money we got right the way through.

“Dominic's money was important. We couldn't really stand in his way and it's brilliant in terms of the progression."

He added: “We would love him to still be a Sheffield United player, although I'm not sure he would be because he's taken enormous strides. He's a lovely kid and I'm absolutely delighted in terms of what he's done in his career.

“A great lad, fabulous young player who has a great career ahead of him. He was great for us at Northampton in the first part of the season. He set us up to have the success we had in that year.

“It's just a shame he is not playing in the red and white stripes of us at this time because he would have been a great asset to us."