Sheffield United will be looking to keep their promotion challenge on the right path this week as they head to Wigan in the Sky Bet Championship on New Year's Day.

The Blades have been excellent at times this season and so far look a stronger unit than they did last year when they tailed off towards the end of the campaign.

Chris Wilder will be looking for his players to keep that up, then, and it seems as though he wants to keep Martin Crainie at the club too.

Indeed, as per James Shield on Twitter, the Blades' boss has revealed that a new contract has been offered to the defender:

There are a few players at the club awaiting a new deal at the moment and it seems as though the club might well be ready to start dishing them out.

The Verdict

This might come as a bit of a surprise given how little Crainie has played this season for the club but clearly Wilder wants to keep him around for now.

Whether or not he can force himself into the side in the coming weeks and months is up for debate, of course, but at least he provides experienced cover if needed.