Sheffield United midfielder Ryan Leonard is being targeted by Championship rivals Millwall, who want to tie up a deal before Friday’s loan deadline according to London News Online.

The Lions have seen George Saville chased by Middlesbrough, but they're holding out for an incoming player before they sanction any move away for Saville.

Leonard has reportedly been a target of Neil Harris' since the Lions were promoted from League One sixteen months ago, but his then-employers Southend fought hard to keep their star man.

He eventually joined Sheffield United in the Championship in January.

The 26-year old has played in three of the Blades Championship fixtures this season, two as a late sub and once coming on at half time. In total, he's started just six league games for Chris Wilder, coming off the bench on ten occasions.

He enjoyed seven seasons at Southend, helping them to promotion into League One in 2015 after joining from Plymouth Argyle. He also enjoyed loan spells with Weston-super-Mare and Tiverton Town.

The Verdict

Managers never let a target go completely, do they? Harris identified Leonard once, but lost out. He kept an eye on the player and now looks likely to finally get his man.

He's on the edge of the Sheffield United first team, but with barely an hour of football under his belt this season he may want to ensure more minutes with a move to the Den.

Millwall will miss George Saville if he goes, so Leonard will have big boots to try and fill, should a move come off.

[ad_pod ]