Sheffield United: Southport’s Jack Rodwell signs for rest of season

3rd January 2020

Sheffield United have signed former Everton and Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old, who has been a free agent since leaving Blackburn in the summer, has been training with Sheffield United since December.

“It’ll be a short team deal until the end of the season with the option of extending,” said boss Chris Wilder.

“Hopefully we can kick-start his career.”

Wilder added: “He’s certainly got the desire, and from a physical point of view there are no issues.

“Jack has been with us for a couple of weeks or so now and he’s been excellent around the place.

“He offers us versatility and experience in a number of key positions and adds further depth to the group which is important at this stage of the season.”

Rodwell, who won the last of his three England caps in June 2013, is eligible for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against AFC Fylde at Bramall Lane.

A former England under-16 and under-18 captain as he came through the ranks at Everton, Rodwell was signed by Manchester City for £12m in 2012.

However he left Etihad Stadium for Sunderland in 2014, after playing just 26 games in two seasons.

His £43,000-a-week contract with the Black Cats was cancelled following their relegation to League One in June 2018. He had fallen out of favour, training with the Wearside club’s under-23 squad and making only two senior appearances in his final season.

He made 22 appearances for Blackburn last season in the Championship, but failed to agree a contract extension. He was linked with a move to Roma in October.

Report courtesy of the BBC