Leeds United’s plans to land Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp in January have been dented after Blades boss Chris Wilder refuted the possibility of a mid-season deal.
Sharp’s future at Bramall Lane had come into question toward the end of 2019, when reports suggested several sides were interested in acquiring the veteran hitman who has struggled to make an impact on Sheffield United’s Premier League campaign.
The 33-year-old has started just five per cent of the Blades’ top-flight fixtures heading into the New Year, with his only inclusion in an opening line-up coming when Wilder’s side were beaten 2-0 at home to Newcastle United.
Sharp captained the Blades that night, but has played just seven minutes total across the five possible games since facing the Magpies on December 5.
Despite not favouring the experience offered by the £1.8million-rated striker so far, Wilder has no plans to part ways with the 2021-free agent anytime soon.
“There are hundreds of reports linking people everywhere,” Wilder said, via quotes by The Star.
“Billy’s a fantastic player, he doesn’t want to go anywhere and I don’t want him to go anywhere.
“So as far as I’m concerned that’s the end of the conversation with him.”
Would you have backed a move for Sharp?
Yes
No
Sharp had been instrumental in Sheffield United securing promotion into the Premier League as Championship runners-up last season, having scored 23 goals in 40 games – only Teemu Pukki (29), Tammy Abraham (25) and Neal Maupay (25) scored more.
If we are to be in the market for a new centre-forward this month, signing someone of Sharp’s calibre would be a wise decision in a bid to fire the club into the top-flight.
Patrick Bamford is currently our leading scorer with ten goals in 24 league games, ahead of Jack Harrison (five in 25), Ezgjan Alioski (four in 21) and Eddie Nketiah (three in 16).
In other Leeds United news, the club will look to cash in on three senior players this month.