Sheffield United forward the subject of firm interest from rival team

Sheffield United star Billy Sharp is a confirmed target for former promotion rivals Leeds United.

Back in the season of 2014/15 Sharp spent a year at Elland Road prior to joining the Blades, where he has bagged 88 league goals to fire the side all the way from League One up to the Premier League, including 23 vital league goals that helped to pip Leeds to automatic promotion last year.

The frontman has found his opportunities more limited this season though, and Sharp has been linked to a number of clubs including Nottingham Forest and Celtic.

Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Southampton man Che Adams, a former Blade himself, is Leeds’ top target. However, Sharp is another forward under serious consideration by Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Despite the interest, Chris Wilder has said that Sharp would have to request a transfer for any move to happen.

Speaking recently, Wilder said: “I’d be looking at him if I wasn’t here.

“I’ve always been very consistent with the message that, until Billy comes to me and says he has to play regular first team football, then he’ll be here. And he hasn’t.

“We’ve had calls of people and enquiries. I’m open and honest. I’ve told Billy this club has come in for him and that club comes in for him. But he’s always said no, and that he wants to stay here until at least the end of the season.”