Ownership transfer decision casts doubt over future of Newcastle United defender

Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark will face a wait to discover whether his loan move to Sheffield United will be converted into a permanent deal.

The Republic of Ireland international spent the majority of the second half of last season watching on from the sidelines as Magpies manager Eddie Howe relied on the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the heart of his defence. Clark was left out of the Premier League squad ahead of the current season and was linked with several moves away from St James Park. The Blades won the race for his services when the centre-back completed a season-long loan move to Bramall Lane during the summer.

Clark reflected on his exit from Newcastle and the early months of his time with the Championship club, telling The Sheffield Star: “I just tried to keep training as hard as possible and push myself every day. That’s all I could do, and then wish the lads all the best at the weekend. They did well in the second half of last season but for me it was about training as hard as I could.

“Knowing this year was time to kick on and get back involved again. (To be involved again) is a good feeling. A feeling as a professional footballer you want, to be involved in games. I was aware of the circumstances at Newcastle and what was going on. I spoke to the manager and I was fine with that. I understood it. But it’s great to be back involved again.”

Despite an injury-hit start to the campaign, Clark has made eight appearances for the Blades as they push for promotion into the Premier League. After scoring in their Boxing Day home win against Coventry City, Clark’s temporary employers sit three points behind Championship leaders Burnley.

Clark is understood to be keen on a permanent move but The Sheffield Star have revealed the Blades are ‘unlikely to consider a permanent move’ until issues surrounding their ownership are resolved. Current owner Prince Abdullah bin Musa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is reportedly in talks over the sale of his shares and that has put a hold on any incoming and outgoing transfer business.