'I'm pleased' - Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp makes Premier League admission about Leeds United

Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp is pleased to see his former club Leeds United doing so well in the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa's outfit sit 10th in the top flight having amassed an impressive 32 points from 22 games this season.

Leeds have made a strong return to life in England's first division after 16 years away following promotion from the Championship last summer, sitting 17 points above the relegation zone a little over the halfway stage.

Sharp - who currently plys his trade with boyhood club Sheffield United - spent the 2014-15 campaign at Elland Road, scoring five goals in 33 league appearances.

The forward was forced to endure four different managers during his spell in West Yorkshire, with off-field problems under then owner Massimo Cellino ravaging the club of progress.

Sharp, though, is delighted to see the Whites back in the top flight once again after the Blades beat them to promotion over two years ago - admitting Leeds remind him a little of their immediate success.

Chris Wilder's men took the Premier League by storm last season finishing ninth, but their form has failed to replicate itself at the second time of asking with United sat 12 points adrift at the bottom of the standings.

"I wanted them to get promoted. I've got a good friend in Liam Cooper there. He's the captain and doing great at the minute," Sharp told the Super 6 podcast.

"He was one who signed on the same day as when I signed for Leeds. It's only him and Kalvin Phillips I think who are left from when I was there.

"A lot has changed and for the better obviously. It's good to see them doing well. It's reminding me a lot of what we [Sheffield United] did last season [in the Premier League].

"They're playing with a lot of belief, momentum and it's a credit to them boys because they haven't changed much - I think they've only made two or three signings.

"Hopefully we can keep grinding out the results and stay in the league so we can play against Leeds with a full house at Bramall Lane or at Elland Road."

Asked about his whirlwind spell with the Whites, Sharp added: "I've always had a good relationship with the fans

"I feel that is something I always had to get right first. To get their support helped me out as a player. The relationship I had with the fans at the clubs I've been at is something that is in my heart and I'm thankful for.

"At Leeds I had four managers but I managed to score on my debut. I think that helped.

"When I went to Leeds [from Southampton], I thought, right, this is brilliant, amazing club, back up north. But I had four managers in a season.

“Again, I had some brilliant times, but the club were in a bit of turmoil. [Massimo] Cellino was wrecking the place.

"Obviously I am happy to see them doing well now, and the club’s in good hands finally.”