Ryan Leonard has not withdrawn his transfer request at Southend as Sheffield United look to sign the midfielder.
While negotiations are expected to rumble on, Sheffield United have been given some positive news in their pursuit of Southend United midfielder Ryan Leonard.
Southend United’s Ryan Leonard
That is despite the fact Southend chairman Ron Martin insisted the request was withdrawn, but according to the report it does remain, even if the former Plymouth Argyle man was reluctant to place it.
However, Leonard is determined to test himself at Championship level and has already made his intention to leave Roots Hall clear by rejecting an improved four-year contract.
The Blades lead the race for his signature currently, but Millwall are also in the hunt and although their highest bid to date is £300,000, they are expected to continue to compete.
Martin has repeatedly insisted that Leonard – who has been the Essex side’s player of the year for the past two seasons – is not for sale, but with just a year remaining on his current contract and the midfield ace keen to move, he may be forced to soften his stance if the club are to make any money from him.
Ryan Leonard celebrates after scoring the first goal for Southend
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