Agent claims Gillespie snub

Keith Gillespie's agent says Sheffield United have reneged on a contract promise.

Keith Gillespie's agent has claimed that the winger handed in a transfer request at Sheffield United because he has not been offered the contract he was promised at the start of the season.

The Northern Ireland international asked to leave Bramall Lane on Tuesday, but Blades chairman Terry Robinson has insisted that contract talks are still ongoing for the former Newcastle United man.

Gillespie, who is also facing a potential six-match ban after being charged with violent conduct, is angry that United have failed to seriously engage in negotiations despite his extensive contribution to their Premiership campaign.

And, having been promised a new deal if his form was up to scratch at the start of the season, Gillespie could now leave the Yorkshire side in January - according to his agent Phil Munnelly.

"I don't think Keith is being treated fairly by Sheffield United," said Munnelly in the Daily Mirror.

"He's been playing exceptionally well for them and deserves a new contract.

"They said at the start of the season that if he did well they would look at things, but nothing has happened.

"Keith wants to stay, but he needs to know what's going to happen.

"They have bandied about figures to Keith in general terms, but neither Neil Warnock nor chairman Terry Robinson have spoken to me about actual figures.

"I have had little or no dialogue with the club, for whatever reason.

"You suspect that if a new deal hasn't been agreed by now, then one might not be agreed at all.

"It's up to Sheffield United what happens now and if they don't want to keep Keith, then they should let him move on now."