Sheffield United striker Leon Clarke could be exactly what Doncaster Rovers are targeting.
Rovers manager Darren Moore has admitted he wants to sign a new player upfront – either permanently or on loan – before the transfer window closes on September 2.
“I’m still looking for that number nine that can lead the team and drive the team,” Moore told the Doncaster Free Press.
“Hopefully with that bit of experience that we’ve been after.
“The target has been spotted, or the targets have been spotted. It’s just now us as a club getting it over the line or the parent club looking to do business with us and getting that striker in that we need.”
Why unwanted Sheffield United player Leon Clarke fits the bill
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Moore admits that the club are already in conversation with a potential target. From what he says it seems this player is not currently getting regular football.
That could well be Clarke, whom as the Daily Mail reports is on the transfer list at Bramall Lane. The 34-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements since the Blades’ promotion to the Premier League.
Chris Wilder told the Sheffield Star there has been recent interest in Clarke. For top flight and Championship clubs the window is now closed. However, League One and Two sides can still make new signings until next Tuesday.
It now depends whether Clarke would be willing to make the step down. For the past two seasons the forward has played regularly in the second tier with United and on loan at Wigan Athletic.
Yet as previously mentioned, a move to that division is no longer an option until at least January. Therefore Clarke either sits on the sidelines for the next five months, or drops down the league pyramid.
Not only that, but a move to Doncaster means the attacker could remain in the same area of the country.