Rangers and QPR has announced their interest in Leeds United’s top talented player.
Jamie Shackleton was a target for a number of clubs this summer, but he appears to be an important part of Daniel Farke’s plans at Elland Road.
Jamie Shackleton, who was on the outskirts of Leeds United’s 2021-22 squad under Jesse Marsch, was permitted to leave on loan for Millwall last summer.
And, while the 23-year-old played 37 times for the Londoners across all competitions, he wasn’t always a starter for the play-off contenders, leaving him with an uncertain future when he returned to West Yorkshire this summer.d
Shackleton, on the other hand, has been very useful to new United head coach Daniel Farke in a number of different positions so far, featuring six times already amid a slew of new signings in the areas that he plays in – it could have all been different for him this summer if clubs had firmed up their interest in him.
Which clubs were interested in Jamie Shackleton this summer?
Shackleton was only going to be considered as a permanent acquisition for the Lions if they were promoted to the Premier League, despite the fact that a permanent fee had already been agreed upon in the loan agreement that brought him to The Den.
After collapsing in the final few weeks of the season, Gary Rowett’s team didn’t even make the play-offs, with Shackleton himself hardly appearing in the final two months.
That drew him back to Elland Road over the summer, with his future under new head coach Farke still very much in doubt.
Shackleton had the option of leaving if transfer interest in his services became more concrete.
According to The Athletic, Rangers and Michael Beale investigated the prospect of bringing Shackleton north of the line, adding to his Championship squad that included Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell last season.
However, Beale’s former club, Queens Park Rangers, also made a preliminary enquiry for the versatile midfielder, but Gareth Ainsworth’s side were apparently put off by the fact that any transfer would have required a loan fee.
With no other clubs showing any interest in signing Shackleton, he will remain at Elland Road until at least January, where he will hope to establish himself under Farke.
What is Jamie Shackleton’s current contract situation at Leeds United?
Shackleton, who signed his most recent contract in August 2020, now has very little time left on his contract with the club he has been with since he was seven years old.
Shackleton has less than a year left on his contract, which expires in June 2024, and he will need to perform well if he is to be handed a lucrative extension.
That decision might be taken before or after it is determined which tier Leeds will play in next season, but United risk losing him for nothing if they wait too long to give him a new contract.
Were Leeds united right to keep hold of Jamie Shackleton?
With Shackleton having previously performed well in the Championship, he is a really nice option to have in a squad, and Farke was right to retain him around.
If there had been more real interest and offers over the summer, the 23-year-old might have left, but he has useful versatility in that he can cover a variety of positions, as he has already demonstrated this season.
Shackleton provides plenty of energy in midfield or at full-back, so he will be valuable to Farke and Leeds in some scenarios, and he could have a lot to contribute in 2023-24.
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