Blades target Sharp told to return from Leeds training camp

Sharp was given permission to quit United’s base in Kossen and fly home to England this morning after productive talks between Leeds and Sheffield United over a transfer to Bramall Lane.

The 29-year-old is a long-time Sheffield United target, a club he has already played for twice in his career, and Leeds are working to finalise an agreement with the Blades in the coming days.

Negotiations progressed positively in the early part of this week and Sharp was left out of United’s pre season friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt in Eugendorf on Tuesday night.

Head coach Uwe Rosler declined to comment on the reasons for his absence but it is understood that the forward was omitted because of his anticipated departure.

Sharp still has a year left on his contract at Elland Road and Leeds are reluctant to bear the cost of his remaining wages having paid around £600,000 to sign him from Southampton last year.

The two clubs appear to be on the verge of an agreement, however, and Sharp is poised to end his stay at Leeds after only one season in West Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, United have ended their interest in Catania’s Brazilian winger Raphael Martinho.

Leeds were in talks about a deal to bring the 27-year-old to Elland Road but are understood to have pulled out of discussions in the past 24 hours.