Sheffield United: Blades keep tabs on loan star

Doncaster Rovers v Southend United at The Keepmoat Stadium - Saturday October 7th 2017. Doncaster player Ben Whiteman scores from the penalty spot. Picture: Chris Etchells

The 21-year-old midfielder scored his first senior hat-trick in Rovers’ 4-1 victory over Southend on Saturday, and has earned rave reviews during his temporary spell at the Keepmoat.

United’s scouting team have kept tabs on Whiteman’s progress under Rovers boss Darren Ferguson, and his loan move - which runs initially until January - could be renewed for the remainder of the season, dependent on injuries at Bramall Lane and whether Chris Wilder’s moves in the transfer window prove successful.

Whiteman, when asked if he would be open to a prolonged stay, admitted: “Yeah, definitely. I think the main thing for me is to keep playing games and getting experience.

“Sheffield United are playing really well at the minute and I like it here, the boys are different class. You can’t underestimate how good the manager is, and for me personally everyone’s been unbelievable.

“I’d definitely like to stay until the end of the season.”