Billy Sharp is keeping his options firmly open as the Sheffield United legend plots his next move this summer after confirmation that he will leave Doncaster Rovers - and amid ongoing speculation about a coaching return to Bramall Lane.

Billy Sharp, the Sheffield United modern-day legend, has targeted a reunion with his former Bramall Lane teammate David McGoldrick at his next club after time was called on his spell at Doncaster Rovers - and admits he is “open to anything” amid talk of him returning to Bramall Lane in a coaching capacity in the future.

The 40-year-old will leave United’s South Yorkshire neighbours when his contract runs out this summer, with Rovers describing Sharp in a statement as “one of the most influential figures in the club’s history” across his four spells as a player. Sharp has made no secret of his desire to move into management one day.

Steve Rosen, the United co-owner, even teased a return to Bramall Lane for him as a coach, something boss Chris Wilder later admitted he would be open to. But the expectation is that he will continue playing for the time being.

“Doncaster means a lot to me,” Sharp said on Radio Sheffield, after returning to Bramall Lane this evening as a summariser for the Blades’ clash with Blackburn Rovers. “They looked after me when I was going through tough times in my personal life.

“When I went back two years ago I wanted to achieve something with them because that club means a lot to me. It is my second home. Obviously Bramall Lane is my first one but Doncaster and the fans have been excellent for me throughout my career. I have had two amazing years, to get the League Two title last year and be promoted with a great set of lads.

“The gaffer [Grant McCann] has been brilliant with me. I have enjoyed it and I have got a good relationship with the gaffer. But we have had a chat, he will bring in players next year and I won’t be one of them.

“I can play for another year but I am just not quite sure what I am going to do. I am open to opportunities, whether that is at another club - playing or whatever. I am just going to see. I have only been a free agent once and I ended up going to LA Galaxy.

“I am quite looking forward to sitting on my sofa, having a shandy, a few nuts and my missus telling me: ‘You better sign for someone.’ It is exciting because, like I say, the last time I got LA Galaxy. So we will see. I am just not sure if I am ready to quit playing yet but I won’t be at Doncaster next season.

“I love football and scoring goals. I am not saying I am not going to carry on - I am going to leave that wide open. I have just been injured for five weeks with a calf injury and I have worked hard to get back.

“Touch wood, I will be back in the squad at the weekend. I love playing football so I am going to try and enjoy the next two games and have a think in the summer about what I am going to do.”

McGoldrick, who formed a successful strike partnership with Sharp when United reached the Premier League in 2018/19, could also move on this summer despite a successful season in front of goal just down the road at Barnsley.

“People like David McGoldrick are keeping me going,” Sharp added. “He has been flying. I had a good chat with him yesterday. We are going to meet up soon and we are going to try maybe get a club together. I want to play with him again.

“I am not going to hide away from it; I want to be a manager one day. I know I have got work to do before I get there but I have been doing that work for the last 10 years. Diplomas and coaching badges.

“While I have been sitting on the bench at Doncaster I have been looking at other managers and trying to learn off them. I love football and I want to stay in it. I am not saying I am not going to play next year ... I am still very hungry.”