Doncaster hope to keep Sharp

Last updated : 22 December 2009 By Luke Thornhill

Sharp, 23, is on loan at Rovers from Sheffield United. With 10 goals to his name so far this season, including one against former club Scunthorpe, he has again become one of the hottest properties in the Championship.

Barnsley are reported to be chasing the striker, who cost the Blades £2million when he went back to Bramall Lane from Scunthorpe two years ago but would be available for half that price now.

John Ryan, the Doncaster chairman, expects Sharp to still be wearing the red and white of his club by the time the transfer window closes at the end of January.

“He has assured me he wants to stay and will make a decision on his next move in the summer, this is excellent news for Doncaster and we will throw our hat into the ring at the end of the season,” he told the Yorkshire Post.

“Billy is enjoying his football and has a manager in Sean O’Driscoll who believes in him, he is loving the experience of feeling wanted again and has repaid us in goals.”

While Ryan is keen to keep Sharp, his parent club would be tempted to sell the player to raise funds for player investment. They want to give manager Kevin Blackwell money to spend in the transfer window but are struggling to raise money.

“We are working hard to procure finance for the transfer window, the banks are in disarray so that is a dilemma affecting a number of clubs,” said the Blades’ chairman Kevin McCabe on the club’s official website.