Sources: Leeds United line up Jamie Shackleton talks as exit decision made
Leeds United are planning talks to offer Jamie Shackleton a new contract, sources have told Football Insider.
His deal at Elland Road is set to expire at the end of the season, but the Whites are keen to offer him fresh terms to avoid losing him on a free.
It is believed that manager Daniel Farke has been impressed with the 24-year-old despite him being unable to secure a regular starting spot for the promotion-chasing side.
Shackleton has not made a league start for Leeds since their 4-1 victory against Huddersfield Town back in October but was in the line-up in their FA Cup fourth-round draw against Plymouth Argyle last month (27 January).
He has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, notching one assist in their 4-3 win against Ipswich Town in August.
The Englishman featured in seven of Leeds’ first nine Championship games this season but lost his spot to 17-year-old sensation Archie Gray, who was moved from midfield to right-back.
Shackleton joined the Yorkshire giants’ academy in 2006 and has gone on to make 92 appearances for them in all competitions.
While he is a midfielder by trade, he Shackleton has most often been deployed at right-back this season.
He has also been fielded as a left-back, central midfielder and right midfielder.
Leeds sit third in the Championship table after their 1-0 win against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Friday (2 February).
They are next set to face Plymouth Argyle in their fourth-round FA Cup replay on Tuesday evening (6 February).
In other news, Leeds United move ahead of West Ham in race for landmark deal.
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