Leeds United are considering a move for Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The Championship leaders are looking to sign a new striker during the January transfer window. This is after Eddie Nketiah had his season-long loan at Elland Road cut short and has returned to Arsenal.
Their number one target is a former Blade – Che Adams. However, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says he does not want to let Adams leave on loan this month.
Hasenhuttl has also admitted the 23-year-old is unhappy with his game time following a £15m summer switch from Birmingham City. Therefore the Whites still hold hopes of landing Adams before the window shuts.
Leeds are also keen on Billy Sharp
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Marcelo Bielsa wants competition for Patrick Bamford upfront after the departure of Nketiah. Sharp is viewed as an option should a deal for Adams fail to materialise.
The Blades skipper has been strongly linked with an exit from Bramall Lane due to his lack of minutes this season. Sharp has started just one Premier League match since the club’s promotion.
Sky Sports report that Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest have enquired about his services. And Chris Wilder says Sharp can decide his own future.
“Whatever Billy wants to do – he’s possibly the only player at the football club (this applies to) – whatever he wants to do, I will adhere to his wishes,” Wilder said.
“I think that is only right in terms of the contribution he has made to this football club.”
Celtic are also understood to be interested in Sharp – although a return to Leeds for the Yorkshireman may appeal more.
The 33-year-old spent the 2014/15 campaign with the Whites before returning to the Blades.
It’s believed that reports of interest from Elland Road in Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle and Cauley Woodrow of Barnsley are untrue. Adams is the first choice and then Sharp is the backup option.
