Sheffield United transfer target Ricky Holmes wants to leave Charlton Athletic, according to South London Press. 

The news will encourage Chris Wilder who was keen on the winger in the summer following promotion to the Championship but was unable to get a deal over the line.

Holmes signed a three-year deal at the Valley following that transfer wrangle but is keen to leave the club in the window and will no doubt be tempted by the prospect of moving up a league and increasing his pay packet at Bramall Lane.

The 30-year-old has six League One goals and six assists in 23 appearances for Charlton this season and while Karl Robinson will no doubt be reluctant to keep the wideman, Holmes wants to move north and boost the Blades' promotion bid.

The Verdict

Sheffield United have just completed the signing of another League One player he chased in the summer but was unable to sign - Ryan Leonard from Southend United - and that is ominous news for Charlton.

Wilder sets his sights on specific targets and has shown he is capable of getting them and the fact that Holmes wants to leave despite his long-term contract is a massive step forward in the race for the former Northampton manager.

Sheffield United fans - do you want to see Holmes through the door at Bramall Lane? Let us know in the comments below...