Sources: Expected winner named in Sheffield United and Ipswich race to sign Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford is expected to accept Sheffield United’s offer rather than join Ipswich Town, sources have told Football Insider.
The ex-Leeds striker, 32, has contract offers from his current team United and their Championship rivals Ipswich.
Sources say Bamford is likely to remain loyal to manager Chris Wilder and stay at Bramall Lane until the end of the season.
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.
The 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.
Patrick Bamford has made a big impact at Sheffield United
Football Insider revealed last week that Sheffield United were in talks with Bamford over an extension to his short-term deal, with the initial terms due to expire this weekend.
However, that now looks set to change with Bamford seemingly set to side with the South Yorkshire outfit in their battle with Ipswich to secure his signature.
The veteran has made a big impact since his arrival at Bramall Lane, as he has five goals from his opening 10 Championship appearances, a run of form that has helped lift the team up to 16th.
United endured a difficult start to the campaign, but they are now among a huge group of second-tier sides who will be eyeing a push to reach the play-offs in the second half of the season.
Bamford has been a big part of their recent resurgence, and Wilder’s influence looks set to have the telling say in his next move.
Leeds fans joke about re-signing Bamford
Leeds fans have even joked about them re-signing Bamford as a result of the excellent form that he has displayed since his move across Yorkshire.
The former Nottingham Forest academy graduate netted twice in the Blades’ 5-3 defeat away at Wrexham on Boxing Day, and that prompted the Whites faithful to take to X to share their frustrations at his release.
There were even suggestions from some supporters that Daniel Farke and Co. should look to take him back in January on a short-term deal of their own.
Injury issues have plagued the frontman over the years, but he is now at a club where he is fit and firing once again, and his enjoyment is clear to see from this imminent extension.