Sheffield United target dropped amid Rangers speculation as Blades legend handed shock opportunity

The Ivory Coast Under-23 striker has impressed over the last two and a half seasons for the Allsvenskan outfit, scoring 24 goals and providing nine assists in 57 appearances in all competitions. That form has led to interest from the Blades and Scottish giants Rangers and the 20-year-old opened up on the speculation in a recent interview with a local news outlet.

He said: “I think you never know if you’re ready or not. You just have to dare to take the chance and see for yourself. I’m a football player, I’m ready for most challenges. In my head I can play anywhere! My agent will make the best choices for me.”

However, the Blades may have been handed a pursuit of the striker after he was left out of the Hacken squad as his side claimed a 2-1 win at AIK to move into third place in the Allsvenskan table.

Blades legend linked with League One move

Billy Sharp’s Sheffield United career officially came to an end with a substitute appearance on the final day of the Championship season as the Blades claimed a 2-1 win at Birmingham City.

That proved to be the last of 377 appearances in which the striker scored 129 goals and provided 44 assists to make himself a cult hero with the Bramall Lane faithful. Speaking after his departure he said: “From my first goal to my last, the feeling grew stronger and stronger each time. I want to thank the club for all the amazing memories we’ve shared and for the opportunity to represent my boyhood club.”

What lies next for Sharp remains to be seen but there have been several clubs reportedly interested in handing him an opportunity to continue his career elsewhere. The Sun’s Alan Nixon has suggested Derby County are ready make an offer to Sharp but they will face competition from the likes of Rotherham United, Hull City and Coventry City.