Leeds United waiting on contract decision as transfer vultures circle over deadline

Chatter around Jamie Shackleton’s next club is gathering pace as his Leeds United contract ticks towards its conclusion. Daniel Farke wants the 24-year-old to sign a new deal, but it feels distinctly unlikely after another season with seven league starts.

Sheffield United is the club which has garnered the most column inches in recent days, led by The Star. Relegated from the Premier League with the backbone of a team that should be good enough to target promotion, it could be an exciting prospect for Shackleton.

It can’t be a bad thing, when you’ve gone into a summer staring down the barrel of free agency, moving from one promotion bid to another, but will he get what he actually wants? Pitch time is the crux of his current issue at Elland Road.

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Is a relegated top-flight side with Premier League players knocking about, going to present Shackleton with the best use of his mid-20s? If Chris Wilder is painting that picture for him, then fair enough, you take the offer and take that insatiable work rate down to South Yorkshire.

Geographically, it would be a great move for him and his young family, who have Shackleton’s wider support network in Leeds. The chance to remain in the area and contribute to a promotion tilt must be hugely appealing, but after failing to nail down regular starts with either United or Millwall, he has to be wary of becoming another utility man on the bench for his next employer.

The contract offer from Leeds remains on the table and Shackleton has not yet informed Elland Road of his intention to accept or reject it. The contract he signed in the promotion summer of 2020 will expire on Sunday and he will officially become a free agent on Monday morning.

The Whites are unaware of any ongoing talks between the academy graduate and the Blades, but as he’s out of contract he’s free to talk to who he wishes without involving Leeds. For those EFL clubs yet to return to training, pre-season starts next week and Shackleton will be keen to miss as little of this vital period as possible, wherever he signs.