'Buzzing' - Leeds United departure's first words after new contract is signed elsewhere

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Leeds United academy graduate Jamie Shackleton says he’s ‘buzzing’ to have secured a free agent move to Sheffield United.

Shackleton completed a medical yesterday but a hold up with his move, due to the Blades’ pending takeover, means he has missed the start of Chris Wilder’s pre-season training. The midfielder turned down the chance to stay at Elland Road, with Leeds leaving an offer on the table until such a time as Shackleton decided his future lay elsewhere. The YEP understands that a desire for greater gametime was at the heart of his decision.

Signing a three-year deal at Bramall Lane, Shackleton said: “I’m buzzing to be here and having missed the first couple of days of pre-season, I just want to get out there with the rest of the lads. The manager has told me a lot, what he expects from me, and how he sees a lot in me that he wants at Sheffield United, so hopefully it is going to be a good match. I’ve played plenty of games in the Championship and Leeds and on-loan at Millwall, both sets of those fans demand a lot from you and I’m sure that will be no different here. The 100 per cent is a given where I’ve played and I’m that type of player, I put everything in and leave everything on the pitch. I’ve got a few links to the Blades too and they’ve got nothing but positive words to say about the club.”

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In a statement Leeds extended their best wishes to the 24-year-old, who joined the club at the age of nine and came up through the academy ranks to play a part in Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion-winning team. The statement read: “Leeds United can confirm Jamie Shackleton has left the club, after the expiration of his contract. Showing his versatility and ability to play a number of posi;ons across both midfield and defence, Shackleton became a constant part of the squad which would ultimately miss out on promotion through the Play-Offs in his debut campaign. However, the following season, once again his contribution was a big one as the Leeds-born midfielder was able to help guide the club back to the Premier League, as Sky Bet Championship champions.

“Shackleton would then go on to represent the Whites in the top-flight and in total, he made close to 100 appearances in the first team. Having now decided to accept different terms elsewhere, everyone at the club would like to wish Jamie every success for his future and thank him for all the effort he put into representing Leeds United both on and off the pitch. He will always be welcome back at Elland Road.”

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