Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Josh Challies

Chris Wilder reveals Sheffield United's stance on Billy Sharp amid Leeds United speculation

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has opened the door for Billy Sharp to seal a January move, confirming that the decision is down to the striker.

Sharp has captained the Blades to two promotions in recent years at Bramall Lane but has found opportunities extremely limited in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old has started just once in the Premier League this season and his lack of football has led to interest in his services, with Nottingham Forest and Celtic reportedly keen.

Leeds are also believed to be in the hunt for Sharp's services, with the experienced striker a name on Victor Orta's shortlist in the hunt for a new striker following Eddie Nketiah's return to Arsenal.

While the prime target is Southampton forward Che Adams, another experienced player in the Championship who has struggled for opportunities since making the jump to the top-flight.

As such, Leeds may be encouraged to make a move for the player as Wilder admitted that, although he'd like to keep him in the squad, he will not stand in the way of an exit.

"I spoke to him about three weeks ago about it, knowing what would come up in January," Wilder told reporters ahead of Friday's clash with West Ham.

"And rightly so. If I was in the Championship and needed someone to give us a boost in January and score us some goals between now and the end of the season and saw that Bill Sharp wasn't playing at Sheffield United then I would be asking the question.

"Always the decision is with Billy. Obviously from an individual point of view, Billy is disappointed he's not playing. The decision is with him and if he comes to me and says he needs to be playing then I will respect that.

"But we need him here as well between now and the end of the season so our need is just as big, if not bigger, as those clubs in the Championship."

Visit our dedicated Leeds United page for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.