Source: Team_Talk
Ward hoping for new Blades deal
The Baggies have been strongly linked with a move for the Northern Ireland international when the transfer window reopens.[LNB]Ward has established himself as a key player at Bramall Lane since his arrival from Chesterfield last January.[LNB]The Blades had indicated they would discuss a improved deal with Ward and the player has always expressed his happiness with life in South Yorkshire.[LNB]The player's representative, Gino Culbertson, insists he is in the dark over the rumours linking Ward with West Brom and hopes the club will offer the forward a new lucrative contract to keep him at Bramall Lane.[LNB]"I think that it is common knowledge that Jamie Ward has many admirers, however, we are not aware of any official interest in the player from West Bromwich Albion FC or indeed any other club and had there been then I am sure we would have been notified by Sheffield United FC," Culbertson said in a statement released to skysports.com.[LNB]"Undoubtedly he has made a huge impact and positive impression since his move and I know the club are very pleased with his progress.[LNB]"Therefore, as far as we are concerned there is no basis to these stories, which we are treating purely as 'newspaper talk', in fact Jamie is very happy at the club and especially as we are now due to talk to them with regard to negotiating his new contract.[LNB]"This is due to the fact that when he signed for Sheffield United in January 2009, the contract and terms were on the basis that they felt he was unproven at this level and was something of a gamble. [LNB]"However, they assured us that if he did well and proved himself they would welcome us back in to negotiate new and better terms. Consequently, this has now been agreed for the end of this year.[LNB]"Clearly by his attitude and performances no-one could deny his excellent progress and one only has to look at the statistics when he has been in the team and when he had to miss seven games through a hamstring injury to see his value and contribution to the cause. [LNB]"Naturally, one player does not make a team but he certainly adds something different that is missing without him and I have no doubt the fans would bear that out, as he has become a huge favourite at Bramall Lane.[LNB]"However, Jamie's current terms are far,far less in comparison to other players signed by and at the club and naturally, we feel that his existing contract does not fairly reflect his performances, ability, current market value and potential.[LNB]"It could also be argued, that perhaps he was one of the bargains of the season when he moved from Chesterfield and thoroughly deserves a new and improved contract.[LNB]"Naturally, our only concern would be if the club were not to fulfil what has been agreed and go back on their word in terms of giving him a new deal, which clearly would not have a motivational effect on one of their best young players going into the crucial latter part of the season.[LNB]"I am sure this will not be the case and the fans will be seeing a 'Wardy' at his very best."[LNB][LNB]
