Ryan backing Sharp to top goal charts as Rovers agree deal with Sheffield United

The 24-year-old striker, who last week rejected a move to Burnley, is wanted by Rovers after an impressive loan spell at the Keepmoat Stadium last season that yielded 15 goals from 35 appearances.

Sharp was last night understood to be considering his options with Doncaster hoping to unveil their new signing at a press conference tomorrow.

If Rovers do clinch the Blades striker's signature, it will be a major feather in the south Yorkshire club's cap as the Yorkshire Post understands a host of clubs have been chasing Sharp this summer.

Leeds United manager Simon Grayson is a long-standing admirer of Sharp, while several Championship managers have made enquiries about his availability.

Doncaster chairman Ryan said: "We have pushed the boat out to try and get Billy. Our previous record fee was 300,000 for Matthew Mills so this is a considerable jump and we hope the Doncaster public will respond.

"The fee is agreed and I think he will have his medical (today). Billy did well for us last season and fitted in perfectly to our style of play. Providing he signs for Rovers and stays clear of injury, I could see Billy getting 25 goals next season and winning the Golden Boot in the Championship."

Sharp's proposed sale will provide the Blades with a welcome cash windfall as Kevin Blackwell looks to continue his own strengthening plans.

After signing Steve Simonsen on a free transfer from Stoke City last Friday, the United chief is now understood to be keen on bringing former Leeds midfielder Simon Walton to Bramall Lane.

The 22-year-old, out of contract at Plymouth, was handed his Football League debut at Elland Road by Blackwell, whose assistant Gary Speed was yesterday linked with the vacant manager's job at Swansea where Paulo Sousa has departed with Leicester his expected destination.

Leeds, meanwhile, are expected to step up their own recruitment drive this week with sources in London suggesting a deal is imminent for Charlton Athletic midfielder Lloyd Sam.

Elsewhere in Yorkshire, Lee Clark has distanced himself from speculation he will become Roy Hodgson's replacement at Fulham.

The Town manager, a former player at Craven Cottage, was linked with the post in one national newspaper yesterday but last night said: "I have spoken to Dean Hoyle, the chairman, and he has had no contact from Fulham, our chief executive Nigel Clibbens has had no contact from Fulham, and I have had no contact from Fulham.

"Most of the time I don't comment on speculation, but there has been absolutely no contact from Fulham and I don't want people to become unsettled. We have had a terrific first week of pre-season and I am completely focused on getting things ready for the new season with Huddersfield Town.

"I have been in the process of strengthening the squad all summer and I am really pleased with the signings we have made so far; hopefully there might be a couple more ahead of the start of the season.

"I don't want anything to detract from what is going to be a massive season for our club – and it won't."

On Fulham's alleged interest, Clark added: "It came as a genuine surprise to me when I saw the story on television, but I take the same attitude towards it that I do when our players get linked with clubs from a higher division. It is a good sign that these clubs are interested because it means that we are doing things right here."