Sheffield United fans love Billy Sharp's cheeky "return" message after becoming a free agent

Sheffield United's clash with Bournemouth this weekend brings back memories of their clash on the first day of the Premier League season in 2019/20, when boyhood Blade Billy Sharp scored the equaliser to earn the Blades a point on the opening day. Fast forward just over four years and the sides meet again, both in the relegation mix.

The huge Bramall Lane clash pits 18th-placed United against the Cherries, who are two places higher and four points better off. After United rose a place following Everton's points deduction over the international break, the Blades can move out of the bottom three with victory over Bournemouth, if Luton fail to beat Crystal Palace at home on the same day.

United's official Twitter account posted a video of Sharp's dramatic late equaliser at Bournemouth, with the caption: "Years of hard work for moments like this." Sharp cheekily replied: "I’m available this weekend."

The former Blades skipper is a free agent again after LA Galaxy elected not to take up their option to retain his services for a second season, and Sharp has now returned to England ahead of the next stage of his career. Boss Paul Heckingbottom was keen to retain his services for this current season, and the player was told he would be offered a new deal before a U-turn saw his name placed on the club's released list after their promotion-winning season.

Inside United treatment room after double injury boost for huge clash

Sharp initially had a spell without a club after the new campaign kicked off, before making the surprise move Stateside to Los Angeles. He scored six times in 12 appearances, including a hat-trick, and had hoped to remain at the club for a second season, but was recently informed that he was free to continue his playing career elsewhere.

A host of clubs will be interested in the services of a proven goalscorer at EFL level, especially on a free, but some Blades fans are still dreaming of a fairytale return to Bramall Lane. Sharp's cheeky "return" tease has been liked over 2,000 times on Twitter, with supporter @a_sufc posting: "Imagine the lift it would give everyone from players to staff & fans if Billy came back."

Mark Howsham added: "Would be the best news of the year," while Shane Robshaw posted: "Have you back in a heart beat skip." Fellow Blade Mick Smith added: "You don't know how many of us would love to see you back on that pitch mate."