Patrick Bamford news: Sheffield United or Ipswich Town decision made, injury worry | OneFootball

All the latest news surrounding Patrick Bamford as the expiration of his Sheffield United contract looms

Patrick Bamford made the switch to Sheffield United in November after departing Leeds United in the summer.

The forward was without a club for months before agreeing a short-term deal to join Chris Wilder’s side until January, after spending time training with Coventry City.

The 32-year-old made a strong first impression at Bramall Lane, scoring in his first start and second appearance in a 2-0 win against Portsmouth.

He has so far contributed five goals from 10 games in the Championship, helping the Yorkshire outfit climb the table and get back into play-off contention.

Here we look at all the latest news surrounding Patrick Bamford amid uncertainty over his immediate future with Sheffield United:

Ipswich Town’s Patrick Bamford interest

Bamford’s contract with Sheffield United is set to expire after this weekend’s clash in the FA Cup against Mansfield Town at Bramall Lane.

And according to Alan Nixon, Ipswich Town are ready to swoop in case it is his last game for the club.

It’s been reported that the Tractor Boys are keen to bring the veteran forward to the Suffolk outfit in order to bolster Kieran McKenna’s attacking options for the second half of the campaign.

If Bamford doesn’t sign an extension, then he will be free to discuss terms with other teams as a free agent.

Patrick Bamford makes Sheffield United decision

However, it has been reported by Football Insider that Bamford is expected to sign a new deal with the Blades.

It’s believed that the forward is keen to show loyalty to Wilder after he joined the club following his exit from Leeds in the summer.

The Yorkshire outfit have helped him get back to full match fitness in recent weeks, and he has performed well in his 10 appearances for the team.

His five goals have helped move Sheffield United up to 16th in the Championship table, nine points adrift of the play-off places after 25 games played.

Chris Wilder’s Patrick Bamford stance

Wilder has made it clear that his preference is for Bamford to remain at Bramall Lane beyond this weekend’s clash against Mansfield in the cup.

The 58-year-old has claimed that the club took a gamble on bringing him in, and that it was the player’s decision to sign a short-term deal, so they’re hoping his impressive form will see him remain with the Championship side for the remainder of the campaign.

“I'm pushing as much as I can,” said Wilder, via The Star.

“But obviously there's a negotiation involved in it, and there will be an attraction from other clubs because of what he's done.

“So that was the gamble of bringing him in.

“He wanted to sign a short-term deal as well, so it's not that we didn't give him a longer-term deal.

“That's the road that he wanted to go down.

“He's backed himself, which is good, and we've backed ourselves in terms of a club and what we can give him.

“So it's pretty much a balancing act, what we've given Pat and what he's given us.

“I think we're a good fit for him and he's a good fit for us.

“So hopefully, yes, we can get that over the line in mid-January.”

Patrick Bamford injury update

Sheffield United’s most recent league clash, at home against Oxford United, was postponed, meaning Bamford hasn’t played since 1 January in the club’s 3-1 win over Leicester City.

However, according to The Star, the 32-year-old has picked up a minor injury concern which could potentially keep him on the sidelines.

It remains to be seen whether he will be available for this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Mansfield, which signals the end of his current deal.

The forward is reportedly suffering from a calf issue, so it’s very possible that Wilder will opt to keep him out of the side against the League One side in order to avoid any risk of making matters worse.