Chris Wilder has given an update on the five players expected to leave Sheffield United during the January transfer window.
The Sheffield Star reports that Kean Bryan, Leon Clarke, Ben Heneghan, Richard Stearman and Jake Wright have all been told they can depart the club this month.
And Wilder says that discussions have already begun about their likely exits from Bramall Lane.
“There’s ongoing talks with clubs and agents as well. It’s in the boys’ interest that they will be playing football elsewhere,” the Blades manager told BBC Radio Sheffield.
Kieron Freeman has also been linked with a move, while forgotten man Ricky Holmes will also leave if an offer comes in.
Update – What next for unwanted Sheffield United quintet?
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Both Heneghan and Wright spent the first half of this season out on loan. Heneghan remains at Blackpool, whom the Blackpool Gazette reports want to sign the centre-back permanently. However, they face competition from Luton Town.
Meanwhile, Wright has recently returned from his stint at Bolton Wanderers – with the League One club deciding to look at alternative options.
As yet there have been no other rumours concerning the 33-year-old. It’s the same story when it comes to fellow defender Bryan.
But there has been apparent interest in Stearman. Huddersfield Town are believed to be keen on the 32-year-old, who has not played a single minute of Premier League action this term.
As for Clarke, of the five he has been the most involved with the first team. The striker came off the bench during the 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool in September and also scored in the 2-1 FA Cup win over AFC Fylde at the weekend.
However, there are five other forwards currently at the club all ahead of Clarke in the pecking order. Charlton Athletic, Stoke City and Huddersfield are all thought to be interested in the 34-year-old.