Chris Wilder says Sheffield United were not going to overpay for Charlton star Ricky Holmes.

The Blades had two bids rejected by Charlton chiefs, before the Addicks’ Player of the Year signed a new three-year deal on Monday.

The Essex-born winger was hotly tipped to link up with Wilder after the pair worked together at Northampton Town.

But the Charlton hierarchy were desperate to keep their star man, who scored 13 goals last season.

When discussing the club’s failed pursuit of Holmes, Sheffield United boss Wilder told The Star: “I can’t just go and pay over the odds.

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“The club has not had a structure in the past and, I believe, has struggled because of that. If you stick to a structure, you get good days and bad days.

“I’m not going to kid people. Would I like the top Championship budget? Of course I would.

“Are the owners in the position to give me that? No. It’s as simple as that. I’ll work with what the owners give me.”