Boss Mick McCarthy was keeping typically tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ move for Leeds United striker Billy Sharp.

Town and Leeds are understood to be in talks regarding Sharp with the Blues keen to take the striker on loan but the Whites wanting to offload the former Sheffield United, Doncaster and Southampton man on a permanent basis.

Asked about reports of his interest in Sharp, McCarthy said: “Have I said anything to you about Billy Sharp?

“Where’s the story come from then? Unless I said we were doing something with him, then I wouldn’t comment on it because he’s Leeds’ player, he’s not my player.

“That’s generally the case, you ask me about players all the time and I say ‘Is he one of mine?’. ‘No’, well, I don’t talk about him. That’s exactly the same as this.”

Leeds boss Neil Redfearn confirmed that the clubs had been talking but said they had been unable to agree a loan deal as yet and said he'd like to keep Sharp at Elland Road.

McCarthy confirmed that he is close to confirming the signing of a back-up goalkeeper on loan but wouldn’t be drawn on the player's identity: “I can tell you who it is, but I’m not going to. The deal is agreed.”

Photo: Action Images

uefacup81 added 20:39 - Jan 17 Sharp situation seems like a strange one. I'd be inclined to think that there's something going on, with Town and Leeds arguing over what sort of deal will be done. From being out of favour at Leeds, Sharp ended up on the bench today. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but seems to me like a little 'negotiation' on Leeds' part trying to prove that he's still part of their plans, and that we should be paying for him?

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BlueandTruesince82 added 20:41 - Jan 17 Mannone? Fridel? Is Jaskalinen still warming the bench at WHU?
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yorksblue added 21:55 - Jan 17 Given would be nice. And offer him an escape route
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Ipswich_Loyal added 22:24 - Jan 17 My bad! Didn't know he had already gone elsewhere. Paddy Kenny it is!
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svupper added 07:14 - Jan 18 Even though it's really hard to credibly doubt recent signings på MM, I keep asking my self if they can help build a team with any chance of survival in the Premiership. The biggest positive for me was the display by Sears which was, I think, of real quality and could indicate a potential to build on. But it is a very small sample. If Sharpe is also signed, the striking force - and numbers - have been expanded so that I wonder if a crazy bid for Murphy or McGoldrick could be on it's way, freeing up money for more prominent signings. I am obviously happy with the way things are going, but I also think it is too obvious that we have very few players with PL-potential, probably only a handfull at the most.

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atty added 11:45 - Jan 18 Why Sharp now we have signed Hunt and Sears? Doesn't make sense unless as mentioned above Didz on his way. Have heard absolutely no rumours about that though. The way he's playing might not be a bad thing. One good half season, one half season injured and one half season being very ordinary. Might be a good idea to remind him that he does play in a team. Sure MM / TC keep banging on at him about this, but without effect. Arrogant too, and sadly lacking in pace. Swap with some money with Chris Wood would do for me.

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MHS added 15:34 - Jan 18 Shocks me how many people would actually be comfortable with Didzy leaving. Granted he's not looked himself recently, think the bid in the summer may have turned his head slightly, but anyone watching the Southampton game would have seen how much we missed him when he went off injured. Wood/Sharpe would be good squad signings but we cant be chopping/changing a formula that has worked for us all season i.e. Murphy and Mcgoldricks partnership. Not sure about people suggesting 'cashing players in'..micks built this team with little to no money, its worked so far, why change that?

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loudnproud added 10:19 - Jan 19 Shane Supple will not return to professional football......He was never impressed with the crap politics involved.
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