Jack Rodwell could be given a new contract at Sheffield United, reports Yorkshire Live.
The short-term deal Rodwell signed with the Blades in January was due to expire on June 30. Yet he was one of four players who signed extensions to keep them with the club until after lockdown.
With the 2019/20 season having now finished, two of those have now left in Leon Clarke and Kieron Freeman. The other is Phil Jagielka, who is expected to be handed a new contract himself.
Now it seems that Rodwell could join Jagielka in extending his stay at Bramall Lane. The new Premier League campaign begins in less than a month’s time on September 12 and manager Chris Wilder has so far made just one new signing.
That was the arrival of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a free transfer. Another new ‘keeper is also likely to join soon, with an £18.5m fee having been agreed with Bournemouth for Aaron Ramsdale.
Yet with Mark Duffy, Ricky Holmes and Ravel Morrison having also departed, Wilder has limited outfield options as things stand.
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Why Rodwell could be given a new contract
Rodwell made just two appearances for United last term after signing on a free at the beginning of the year. The first came shortly after his arrival in the FA Cup third round win over AFC Fylde, while the second was post-lockdown, coming off the bench during the league clash with Burnley.
Rodwell played in a more familiar midfield role in the latter, but it was the showing against Fylde that perhaps gave the biggest indication of Wilder’s plan.
The 29-year-old operated on the right-side of a three-man central defence in that game. That is usually the position occupied by Chris Basham, who started there for all 38 top flight outings last term.
However, Wilder is in the market for another option in the role. Therefore having Rodwell around – who has the versatility to also play in midfield – might not be such a bad idea.