Jamie Shackleton is aware that his time with Leeds United is coming towards its end.
That’s according to a report from The Athletic, who say that Millwall do have the option to make the midfielder’s loan move to The Den permanent at the end of this season.
Having come through the academy ranks at Leeds, Shackleton has already made 79 first-team appearances for the Whites, scoring two goals.
However, with his opportunities dwindling in the Premier League, particularly under Jesse Marsch, in the past couple of seasons, the 22-year-old was loaned to Millwall in the summer transfer window.
Although he has since impressed for Gary Rowett’s side, featuring in all ten Championship games they have played, it seems the midfielder is resigned to his fate when it comes to his Leeds future.
According to this latest update, Shackleton is aware that his time with Leeds is almost done, with Millwall holding the option to buy him at the end of this season.
There will be just a year remaining on the midfielder’s contract at the end of this season, meaning that could represent Leeds’ final chance to receive a fee for his services.
It does feel as though Shackleton is probably right to prepare himself for the end of his Leeds United career.
While he is capable of playing both midfield and right-back, those are two positions where the club are currently well stocked with his quality options at this moment in time.
As a result, it is hard to see him getting the game time he needs to progress his career as he should be doing at his age, if he remains at Elland Road long term.
With that in mind, a permanent move elsewhere in the summer looks the best option, and there should be plenty of clubs keen on his services, not least Millwall given his importance to them so far this season.
Do you expect Shackleton to play for Leeds again?
Yes
No
