Deadline day has been and gone but Leon Clarke remains a Sheffield United player.
This is despite the fact Clarke was one of seven players transfer-listed by the Blades following their promotion to the Premier League – as reported by the Daily Mail.
Five of those deemed surplus to requirements have since left Bramall Lane. Jake Wright is the most recent, joining Bolton Wanderers on loan before the window shut at 5pm yesterday.
As well as Clarke, Ricky Holmes was the other United could not get off their books. Having struggled with injury for much of last season, that could have been a contributing factor.
Yet Clarke is fully fit, even featuring for Chris Wilder’s side in pre-season. So why didn’t the striker leave?
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Why Leon Clarke is still at Sheffield United
(Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
Unlike with Holmes, there was plenty of interest in the 34-year-old. While few rumours linked the winger with an exit, there were sides keen on Clarke.
The Doncaster Free Press reports that both Doncaster Rovers and Shrewsbury Town were interested in signing the forward. So what was the issue?
The article goes on to state that Clarke’s wages proved to be the stumbling block. Following the Blades getting promoted to the top flight for the first time in 12 years, the attacker received a pay rise.
This isn’t unusual. Many players have clauses in their contracts that stipulate an increase in their wage should the club go up a division.
In fact the Sun reported that United had to pay off Ched Evans in order for him to leave. Evans’ earnings increased from £3,000-a-week to £12,000-a-week following promotion.
Therefore the 30-year-old wanted to be paid the difference before joining Fleetwood Town in a permanent deal. It seems that a similar issue has stopped Clarke leaving.
