Sheffield United: Defender's time at the Lane looks to be over

The Sheffield United defender, who has spent the season on loan with League Two club Swindon Town, is set to leave Bramall Lane when his contract expires later this month.

According to reports in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham manager Gary Johnson has identified Hussey as a potential replacement for Jordan Cranston following his departure from the LCI Rail Stadium.

The 29-year-old’s hopes of joining Swindon on a permanent basis were wrecked when he was fined and suspended by the Football Association after becoming involved in a confrontation with a supporter last month.

Although United have yet to publish their retained and released list, despite Chris Wilder’s prediction it would be announced earlier this week, Hussey will be allowed to leave as coaching staff prepare to overhaul Bramall Lane’s first team squad.

Clayton Donaldson, who is also set to become a free agent, faces an uncertain future with Wilder excusing the centre-forward from duty at Bristol City last weekend. It is probably significant that two other players also granted permission to miss United’s final game of the season - Jamal Blackman and James Wilson - were preparing to return to their parent clubs following loan spells in South Yorkshire.

Wilson, the Manchester United striker, is unlikely to return but Chelsea goalkeeper Blackman could be offered the chance to broker another loan deal with Wilder’s side.

He agreed a new long-term contract before joining United last summer.