Chris Wilder on Billy Sharp's future amidst speculation of Leeds United, Celtic and Nottingham Forest interest

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder will allow Billy Sharp to make his own decision about whether or not he leaves the club this month.
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A handful of Championship sides have enquired about the availability of the Blades captain, who has started only one Premier League game this season.

"I spoke to him about three weeks ago about it, knowing what would come up in January," said Wilder.

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"And rightly so. If I was in the Championship and needed someone to give us a boost in January and score us some goals between now and the end of the season and saw that Bill Sharp wasn't playing at Sheffield United then I would be asking the question.

Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp. Photo: Simon Bellis/SportimageSheffield United striker Billy Sharp. Photo: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp. Photo: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

"Always the decision is with Billy. Obviously from an individual point of view, Billy is disappointed he's not playing. The decision is with him and if he comes to me and says he needs to be playing then I will respect that.

"But we need him here as well between now and the end of the season so our need is just as big, if not bigger, as those clubs in the Championship."

Newspaper reports recently suggested that Sharp, a boyhood Blade who has captained United to two promotion since Wilder took charge at Bramall Lane, has turned down a move to both Championship side Nottingham Forest, and Scottish giants Celtic.

The Blades’ skipper came off the bench at both Manchester City and Liverpool but didn’t get off the bench for the FA Cup tie against AFC Fylde on Sunday.

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