Leeds United transfer news: Jamie Shackleton completes Sheffield United medical

According to reports, versatile Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton has completed a medical at Sheffield United and is in the final stages of sealing a move.

Shackleton, 24, joined the Whites academy at the age of nine and made 79 appearances for the club while also enjoying a 36-match loan stint at rivals Millwall.

His committed and energetic performances in several roles, including in central midfield, defensive midfield and right-back, made him a popular figure among Leeds fans.

Despite regularly featuring in Daniel Farke’s squad, Shackleton has seen only four minutes of playing time in the Championship since his last start in October.

While he failed to impress the German enough to earn a starting role, he was an integral part of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad that achieved promotion.

Speaking in 2021, Bielsa described him as a player conscious of what is needed to play in the Premier League and said: “I believe in Shackleton as an important alternative for Leeds United.”

The Wakefield-born player was offered a new contract but as first reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds didn’t expect him to extend his stay.

Instead, Shackleton has decided to start afresh with Chris Wilder’s side as the Blades attempt to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Right-back George Baldock and midfielder Ben Osborn are among the players to have departed in recent weeks and Shackleton may be seen as suitable cover for both.

However, we’d have to assume he’s making the move at this stage in his career because he’s been given some assurances about playing time at Bramall Lane.

Leeds United and Sheffield United will clash for the first time in over three years at Elland Road on October 19.