HITC Sport understands Sheffield United are set to finally sign long-term target.
Sheffield United have finally agreed a deal for Southend midfielder Ryan Leonard, HITC Sport understands.
Championship promotion hopefuls Sheffield United have been chasing Leonard since last summer, after seeing multiple bids rejected by Southend during the last transfer window.
United have continued to maintain an interest in Leonard, with Blades boss Chris Wilder a big fan of the 25-year-old.
Wilder has stepped up his interest in Leonard as he looks for midfield reinforcements after losing Paul Coutts for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury in the win against Burton in November.
Southend captain Leonard is out of contract at the end of the season but the Shrimpers were reluctant to sell their prize asset in the January transfer window.
However, they have now decided to cash-in on Leonard rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer and they have accepted United’s offer for the all-action midfielder.
Leonard has been given permission to travel to Yorkshire for talks and a medical, with United hoping to tie up a deal for the player within the next 24 hours.
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