"Don't think..." - Pundit eases Leeds United fears over Sheffield United switch | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer thinks the cross-county switch could work for all involved

Carlton Palmer has suggested Leeds United are unlikely to live to regret allowing Jamie Shackleton to join Sheffield United on a free transfer.

Despite both clubs being geographically close and expected to be vying for promotion next term, the Yorkshire Post claims the 24-year-old will make the switch in an attempt to find more game time.

He has found minutes difficult to come by under Daniel Farke, appearing just 15 times in all competitions last term.

Palmer has delivered his verdict on the deal exclusively to Football League World.

Carlton Palmer believes Shackleton move could make sense to all

The pundit believes that the Leeds academy graduate is better off flying the nest if he cannot find minutes under Farke, and Blades fans will be grateful that their transfer business is finally off to a start.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: “Again, unconfirmed reports that Leeds United utility player Jamie Shackleton is poised to join Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United shortly.

“Shackleton, who spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Millwall, made just 11 appearances last campaign for Leeds United.

“So, it’s a difficult one. Apparently, the rumours are that he turned down a new deal at Leeds United, looking for more regular game time. At 24, of course you want to be playing regular. “It is mooted that he’s undergone a medical and he’s expected to be announced as a Sheffield United player soon and would become the first new arrival of the summer. “This would be brilliant news for the supporters because they’re waiting to see what’s actually happening at Bramall Lane. “Chris Wilder and Sheffield United are still embroiled in an ongoing takeover, but Shackleton is believed to be close to being signed off. “He’s just found first-team opportunities difficult to come by under Daniel Farke last season, and the prospect of regular game time at the Blades, who are starting out a major rebuild, it’s fantastic news. “So, we’ll see. I don’t think Leeds United will regret it. As I said, he’s not been playing regular football. They’ve got cover in other areas in that position.

“So, I don’t think they’ll regret it. And to say Sheffield United are promotion rivals; I think they’ve got an awful lot of work to do between now and the start of the season to put themselves in the picture to get promoted next season.”

Leeds will need to turn to incomings soon

On the face of it, the Whites not doing more to negotiate a new deal for Shackleton makes sense if Farke is only going to use him sparingly, but a player who can play full-back as well as midfield can be useful to have in the squad and may need replacing.

Another more recent academy graduate, Archie Gray, was similarly fluid in the positions he was willing to take up and this was used to great effect during the last campaign when Farke had a lack of full-backs and Gray picked up the slack. He also won't be an option in the upcoming season following his £30million switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

Joe Rodon did head the other way as part of the Gray deal, kicking off Leeds' incomings, but the defender had already been on loan at Elland Road last season - making 43 appearances - so that feels more like restoring last season's quality rather than adding to it.

As Palmer says, Leeds may not come to specifically regret letting Shackleton go, but they may be wise to get some new faces through the door before allowing any more of their current squad to depart.