Chris Wilder has confirmed that while Billy Sharp has said he wants to stay with the club, he still sees a way in which the Blades skipper could be on his way.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Billy Sharp of Sheffield United looks on during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle United at Bramall Lane on December 05, 2019 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The Sheffield United man has struggled for game time this season. He’s made only one start in the Premier League and scored just a solitary goal, on the opening day of the season at Bournemouth.
With Sharp not playing, January interest was going to be inevitable. The likes of Leeds, Celtic, and Nottingham Forest have all been credited with an interest.
And Wilder confirmed he’s spoken to Sharp once more, while also confirming another club had made an enquiry.
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“I’ve spoken to Bill this week again. I’ve mentioned another club to him that’s made an enquiry, and I’m not surprised,” Wilder said. (BBC Radio Sheffield).
“A lot of clubs have asked the question. My stance hasn’t changed. It’s always Billy’s choice of what happens.
“From Billy’s point of view, the decision is his. His message to me is he wants to stay. But you can never say never. If someone comes in and offers him a three-year deal and he looks at it and thinks he’s got to take it, we’ll facilitate that”.
Rumbling on
The longer this talk about Sharp goes on, the more you get a feeling he might well opt to move away come the end of January.
As Wilder says, it might take a hefty and lengthy contract. However, some clubs might opt to offer Sharp that sort of deal, especially given his record in the Championship.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp celebrates scoring his side’s first goal in front of the Sheffield United fans during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United at Vitality Stadium on August 10, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Sharp would be a superb signing for most clubs in the second tier. His heart is with the Blades, of course, but with his career entering its twilight, he might well fancy one last big move.
Regardless of what happens, Billy Sharp will go down as a legend at Bramall Lane.
