Tonge eyes top with Blades

Michael Tonge is confident he does not need to quit Sheffield United to fulfil his ambition of playing in The Premiership.

The highly-rated midfielder has repeatedly been linked with a move to the top flight with Liverpool his most high profile suitor.

But Tonge alleviated any immediate concerns regarding his future by signing a contract last month which keeps him at Bramall Lane until 2007.

The England Under-21 international was delighted to resolve his situation with the First Division promotion hopefuls as The Blades seek to put last season's play-off heartache behind them.

Tonge is optimistic Neil Warnock's men can achieve a spot in The Premiership this season and feels he will not have to leave the club to sample top flight football.

"The gaffer spoke to me about signing a new deal and I was only too happy to sort it out," said Tonge.

"It's good to get it out of the way and focus on the football.

"I was flattered to hear of Premiership clubs being interested in me but all I want to do is play here with Sheffield United and get to the top with them.

"I think we're good enough to do it and I think we will get promoted.

"We have the same players as last season more or less and if we can keep grinding out results then we should be up there when it counts."