Sheffield United could finally celebrate their Premier League promotion on Sunday when Leeds United were held to a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Chris Wilder's side had already beaten Ipswich Town 2-0 the previous day, meaning that anything less than a win for the Whites would clinch promotion for United.

The Blades are now an unsurpassable five points clear of their Yorkshire rivals with just one game remaining, which means their 12-year absence from the top tier is about to end.

United have received plenty of plaudits for their success this season, but the latest message has come from an unlikely source.

Sheffield Wednesday have issued a classy statement congratulating their arch rivals on a successful season.

"Few things in life unite and divide opinion like football," the statement read.

"But one thing at this stage of every season is undebatable and I would like to offer the warm congratulations of everyone at Sheffield Wednesday to everyone at our neighbours Sheffield United for their achievement of promotion.

"Recognition in the Premier League can only benefit Sheffield and we wish United well, whilst promising our loyal supporters that we will be giving our absolute best to ensure Wednesday will be tasting the same success this time next year."

Wednesday almost launched a surprise promotion surge themselves, as new manager Steve Bruce transformed their fortunes in the second half of the season.

The Owls recently saw their unlikely play-off hopes come to an end, but their 2019 form will provide hope that they can replicate the Blades' success next season.

The Verdict

This is a classy statement from Wednesday, but it may well upset some of their fans.

Wednesday fans will have had promotion ambitions of their own in recent months so for them to miss out, and their rivals to go up, will have come as a blow.

However, the statement provides reason for optimism by suggesting that Wednesday will be firmly setting their sights on following in United's footsteps next season.