Sheffield United are ready to sell Leon Clarke in January with a trio of Championship clubs interested, reports Football Insider.
Clarke is well down the pecking order at Bramall Lane with five strikers ahead of him for a starting place. The 34-year-old has been limited to two substitutes’ appearances this season totalling 46 minutes.
As a result the Blades are ready to let him leave for a nominal fee in the upcoming transfer window. Charlton Athletic, Huddersfield Town and Stoke City are all thought to be interested.
Clarke played an important role in United’s rise through the divisions under manager Chris Wilder. Joining from Bury the summer after Wilder took charge in 2016, he scored 31 goals in 93 games.
Who else could be joining Leon Clarke on the exit list?
Clarke is unlikely to be the only one leaving Bramall Lane in January. Kean Bryan, Kieron Freeman and Ricky Holmes are also believed to be among the expected departures.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Holmes hasn’t played for the Blades since March 2018 and wasn’t even given a squad number this term. So there is no huge surprise there.
Meanwhile, Freeman has fallen behind George Baldock in the pecking order for a place at right wing-back. It makes sense that the 27-year-old may be ready to move on.
Finally, Bryan is still a young player at 23-years-old and could still develop further. It might be more likely to see a loan deal for the centre-back in the new year.
There is a fifth current player who could well be on his way in January. Ravel Morrison could have his contract ended six months early having failed to make an impression in South Yorkshire.
Morrison has played just three times since signing as a free agent over the summer. Supposedly the Blades are ready to release him from his 12-month deal in January or loan him out for the remainder of it. Several Championship sides are also thought to be keen.