Sheffield United hoping Patrick Bamford "gamble" pays off as ex-Leeds United man nears potential FA Cup farewell
Sheffield United hoping Patrick Bamford "gamble" pays off as ex-Leeds United man nears potential FA Cup farewell
Sheffield United remain in negotiations with Patrick Bamford’s representatives over extending his time at Bramall Lane, ahead of what could be the former England international’s Bramall Lane farewell this weekend - and hope that their “gamble” continues to pay off into the second half of the season.
The ex-Leeds United man’s short-term deal at United expires between Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Mansfield and their next Championship clash, away at Charlton Athletic. Bamford has been a big hit since ending his time as a free agent to sign for the Blades in November, scoring five goals in six starts and four substitute appearances.
That form has predictably attracted interest elsewhere, both at home and abroad, with Ipswich Town just one Championship side linked with the Blades striker. United are understandably keen to keep him at Bramall Lane but a deal has not yet been struck, leaving the possibility that this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Nigel Clough’s Mansfield could be his last in a Blades shirt.
The Star understands that Bamford is one of a number of United players currently carrying slight fitness issues, having felt a tight calf in recent times and managing its effects.
Patrick Bamford Sheffield United state of play as ex-Leeds United man prepares for potential Bramall Lane send-off in FA Cup clash
But his fitness and availability record has been excellent since he joined the Blades on a short-term deal until January. United did offer him a longer arrangement but Bamford backed himself to impress and he has certainly done that, no doubt boosting his market value in the process.
Speaking last week, boss Chris Wilder said: “We're confident that we can do something. The feedback we've got from Pat is really positive. He knows, as I've said before, what we think of him.
“I'm sure he's enjoying his football, enjoying playing for the football club and pulling on that shirt. I'm not sure about the chant ... we can put that to one side, please! But I've been incredibly positive about his performances, his contribution.
“And I'm pushing as much as I can. But obviously there's a negotiation involved in it. And there will be an attraction from other clubs because of what he's done. So that was the gamble of bringing him in.
“He wanted to sign a short-term deal as well. So it's not that we didn't give him a longer-term deal. That's the road that he wanted to go down. He's backed himself, which is good. And we've backed ourselves in terms of a club and what we can give him.
“So it's pretty much a balancing act, what we've given Pat and what he's given us. I think we're a good fit for him and he's a good fit for us. So hopefully, yes, we can get that over the line in mid-January.”
For their parts, Wilder and Bamford have handed over the negotiations to the Blades’ hierarchy and his representatives. “Obviously there are negotiations there,” Wilder added. “The board know how important he is from my point of view in signing. So does Steve [Bettis, United’s chief executive]. We get that.
“But as I said, it's a negotiation between the hierarchy, Steve and the board, and Pat's representatives. To be fair, me and him are the ones really that are really not involved but just as much as I want him, I think he'd like to stay.”