Sheffield United are looking to sign Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton in the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old “versatile” midfielder, who can also play full-back, will become a free agent in a few days.
Leeds have presented him an offer, but he is yet to commit to his future at Elland Road.
According to a report from The Star, their “sources suggest” the Blades are looking to exploit the uncertainty over his future, and will try to lure him to Bramall Lane.
Leeds skipper Liam Cooper is also out of contract this summer and doubts remain whether he will be offered a new deal.
The Whites are set to return to pre-season training next week, and Shackleton will want his future sorted out before that, one way or another.
He has progressed through the youth ranks at Leeds and has made 94 appearances for the Whites. In between, he played for Millwall on loan in 2022-23 where he managed 37 games in all competitions.
Marcelo Bielsa was very fond of him and the Argentine was heavily impressed by the maturity as he used him in the Premier League.
Shackleton played only 15 times last season as he struggled with fitness. With Leeds failing to secure promotion to the Premier League last season, the task has become challenging for Daniel Farke to maintain a strong squad.
Leeds have Archie Gray and Sam Byram as two recognised full-backs, and they do not have a shortage of options in midfield either. However, in a long season, you need a bigger squad, and Shackleton can be a handy squad player.
Shackleton is a home-grown player available on Bosman, but Sheffield United will not have to pay Leeds any compensation fee. The player has been offered a reasonable contract to stay, and he will turn 25 in October, and thereby can sign him for free without paying anything to Leeds.
