Aston Villa have been linked with a move for the Sheffield United striker this week.
Chris Wilder has revealed Leon Clarke in line for new Sheffield United contract amid speculation linking the striker with a move to Aston Villa.
Clarke scored nine goals throughout the month of November, taking him to the top of the Championship’s scorers chart with 13 in total.
With Aston Villa known to be in the market for striking reinforcements in January following an injury to Jonathan Kodjia, it was perhaps only a matter of time before Clarke was mentioned in connection with a move to Villa Park – which is situated 15 miles east of his native Wolverhampton.
But speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield on Thursday, Blades boss Wilder suggested a new deal could be forthcoming for the 32-year-old – although he insisted it would be awarded through merit and not as a reaction to recent reports.
“I don’t think it’s warding off, I think we’re looking at all the players as we have done with Jack (O’Connell), with David Brooks,” said the Sheffield United manager. “These aren’t to ward off, these are to reward as well.
“To reward David for his performances, to reward John Fleck and Jack as well, and we will (continue to) do (that) along the way, and obviously Leon definitely comes into that category.”
One player who could be on his way out of Sheffield United in January however, is summer signing Ben Heneghan.
Heneghan moved to Bramall Lane from Motherwell on the final day of the summer transfer window, but is still awaiting his debut for Blades.
And Wilder said: “We’re possibly looking at him, in January, to go and get some football, he’s one for the future.
“Not all players that we sign are for the here and now. If they have to get chucked in they have to get on with it but Ben’s a talented player, not done anything wrong, neither has Nathan Thomas.”
Could Sheffield United lose Clarke to Aston Villa, or anyone else, in the coming transfer window?
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