Exclusive: Sheffield United in advanced talks to agree Patrick Bamford deal
Sheffield United are advancing in talks with Patrick Bamford over extending his current contract, sources have told Football Insider.
The 32-year-old striker has been a standout player for the Blades since his arrival on a free contract in November, having left Leeds United in the summer.
Chris Wilder is keen to keep Bamford beyond the end of his short-term contract, which is currently set to expire after their FA Cup clash with Mansfield on 11 January.
United are now close to agreeing an extension with Bamford as they aim to keep him until the end of the season, when his position will be assessed again.
The former Leeds and Chelsea forward has scored give goals in ten appearances for the Championship club and established himself as a key player.
Sheffield United closing in on Patrick Bamford agreement
Bamford was released from his contract at Leeds in August as he was no longer a part of Daniel Farke’s plans, and spent months without a club.
Football Insider revealed in September that Bamford was keen to return to playing, and was training to keep his fitness up after missing out on a move to Celtic.
Since his arrival at Sheffield United, the striker has started seven of his ten appearances, including most recently in their 3-1 win against Leicester City.
His performances for the Blades have even seen Leeds fans call for Bamford to return, with his impressive turnaround not going unnoticed elsewhere.
Chris Wilder making headway with new contracts
With the Blades now closing in on an agreement with Bamford, their success in utilising the free agent market has been made clear in recent weeks.
Alongside the striker, Sheffield United signed Jairo Riedewald on a short-term deal, and recently confirmed they had extended his stay at Bramall Lane.
The midfielder had attracted interest from Championship rivals given his early success under Wilder, but put pen to paper to extend his stay in Yorkshire.
The 29-year-old’s initial contract was set to run until the middle of January, the same as Bamford’s, but signed a new deal until the end of the season.
Displays like those in the 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday and 3-2 victory over Leicester City have done no harm to his reputation, with supporters wowed by the midfielder.
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