Ciaran Clark faces an agonising wait over his Sheffield United future after the club was handed a transfer embargo. Defaulting on payments to another club has forced the EFL to place a ban on the Blades for the foreseeable future.
In a recent financial statement, Sheff United owed just over £18million in transfer fees. A healthy 14-point cushion between themselves and third place in the Championship makes Paul Heckingbottom’s side overwhelming favourites for promotion.
On-loan defender Clark - who arrived from Newcastle United in the summer - is hoping to secure a permanent deal at Bramall Lane once his contract expires in June. Despite injuries hampering most of his season, the 33-year-old has impressed in a three-man backline when fit.
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However, should the financial issues continue and the embargo is not lifted, Clark may be forced to seek pastures new. The Blades put out a positive message to their supporters in the aftermath of the decision.
A statement read: "Club officials remain in constant dialogue with relevant stakeholders, with the aim of working to a resolution early next week.
"The club would like to thank the EFL for its assistance and taking into account a number of unique circumstances. The board of directors would like to assure supporters that promotion to the Premier League remains the primary objective this season and will continue to support Paul Heckingbottom and the team."
Heckingbottom was grilled about the situation after their 1-0 triumph over Hull City on Friday. He said: "The club has put a statement out and I don't have any more information to share than that," he said. "The EFL has sanctioned us and we are going to be working hard to deal with it.
"I will leave that to the powers that be to sort out. From November last year there have been all sorts for us to deal with and we have dealt with it. And this is another thing.”
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