Sheffield United to lure Jamie Shackleton into Leeds United exit after contract development
Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton is on Sheffield United’s radar after a recent contract update at Elland Road, according to The Star.
The Sheffield-based outlet reported on Thursday (27 June) that multiple sources have suggested the Blades are eyeing a summer move for the versatile 24-year-old who is out of contract with the Whites.
Shackleton has been offered an extension to his deal at Elland Road, however, he is yet to put pen to paper on the contract meaning United could exploit this uncertainty to try and lure him to Bramall Lane ahead of next season.
Although the 24-year-old never managed to force his way into Daniel Farke’s side on a consistent basis last season, reports have suggested the German and the club are keen to retain his services [Leeds Live, 7 June].
Will Leeds United keep Jamie Shackleton at Elland Road in summer transfer window?
While Leeds United may well be keen to keep Shackleton at the club beyond the end of his current contract, all the power ultimately now lies with the player to decide where he feels he is best served to advance his career.
The Whites may well be his boyhood club, but last season showed that even with his versatility, he isn’t guaranteed regular first-team football under Farke at Elland Road. That will surely come into his thinking ahead of next season.
United will be competitive in the Championship, as they always are under Chris Wilder, but he will want assurances that he won’t just be the utility man. Ultimately, the 24-year-old has a big decision to make and time is running out for him to decide.
Losing a player to a Championship rival would be incredibly disappointing for Farke, but he will likely be more willing to see Shackleton depart than Archie Gray or another star.
This could be one to advance quickly in the coming days.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are braced for summer offers for Ilia Gruev as replacements have already been mooted
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