Sharp spent the season on loan at the Keepmoat Stadium

Chairman John Ryan remains optimistic Doncaster Rovers will be successful in their attempt to sign Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp.

Rovers had a bid thought to be in the region of £1m - a club record - turned down last month.

However Ryan has told BBC Radio Sheffield he believes Sharp could still be at the Keepmoat next season.

Ryan said: "We are hopeful we can do a deal for Billy Sharp and we think that we are the ideal team for him."

But Ryan knows Rovers face competition from recently relegated Burnley. The Lancashire club have already made an enquiry for the 24-year-old.

"Burnley have a £17 million parachute payment [from the Premier League] so it is difficult for us to fight them on a financial basis, but we will wait and see," said Ryan.

"A lot will depend on what Billy wants to do. If he wants to go to Burnley then that is the end of the story, but Billy might not want to go to Burnley and instead come to us. We sincerely hope that is the case."

Sharp was an instant hit during his loan spell at Doncaster Rovers last season where he scored 15 goals, but he is now entering the final year of his contract at Bramall Lane and would be able to sign for a new club for free from January.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version