Leeds United contract decision made by midfielder as he ties up Championship rival move — YEP 4/7/24
By Graham Smyth
Jamie Shackleton has decided to decline Leeds United’s offer
of a contract and join Championship rivals Sheffield United.
The utility man was, like club captain Liam Cooper, offered
a deal after his contract ran out in June. Leeds have been waiting on
Shackleton’s decision but not anticipating a return and Sheffield United’s
interest has led to a move to Bramall Lane. The YEP understands he was with the
Blades on Wednesday completing a medical on a move that has been long in the
planning but apparently held up by the pending Sheffield United takeover.
Should the deal go through as expected, Shackleton will be in line for a return
to Elland Road and a reunion with the club he supports when Blades visit Leeds
on October 19.
Shackleton was part of Daniel Farke’s first team set-up last
season but chances were few and far between. Eight of his 11 Championship
appearances came inside the first three months of the season and though
injuries had their say yet again, he played just four minutes of league action
between January and the end of the campaign. The chance to go elsewhere and
pursue more significant game time appears to have swayed the 24-year-old, along
with the proximity of Sheffield to his home and young family.