Newcastle transfer news: Ciaran Clark to have Sheffield United medical today

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Ciaran Clark is reportedly on the brink of leaving Newcastle United for Sheffield United.

The defender has been destined to leave St James’ Park this summer, and has started pre-season away from the first-team. He’s been training with the club’s Under-23s alongside Dwight Gayle and Jeff Hendrick.

After six years in the North East, all signs point towards Clark leaving the club. And it looks like that is now set to happen.

Ciaran Clark heading to Sheffield United

According to the Northern Echo, the 32-year-old is going to join Sheffield United on a season-long loan. They report that he is scheduled to have a medical with the Blades today.

Clark will now spend the 2022/23 season in the Championship, as Paul Heckingbottom looks to guide his side back to the Premier League. They came close last season, losing on penalties in the playoff semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

They will be one of the favourites to go up again, and the arrival of Clark will only boost their chances.

Clark has been worth every penny at St James’ Park

The last time he played in the Championship he was one of the best defenders in the entire division. That was in the 2016/17 campaign under Rafa Benitez, who described Clark as a ‘very good professional‘.

He felt like a strange signing at the time, arriving from Aston Villa for £5million. He’s proven to be worth every penny and more, and has been an important player over the years.

Sadly, his final season may cloud how he is remembered on Tyneside, often struggling in a black and white shirt.

However, his last competitive appearance was one to remember. He came off the bench in the final 20 minutes away to Leeds, and his resolute defending played a key role in what was a vital victory.

Clark hasn’t played for the club since, and was removed from the 25-man Premier League squad.

A summer move away is vital for the Republic of Ireland international, and it means he will never play for Newcastle again. His contract expires next summer, so loaning him out for the season means we are guaranteed to lose him on a free.

It’s been a sad ending for Clark, but he deserves so much praise for the role he has played at St James’ Park since his arrival in 2016. His final season should not tarnish what was a good Newcastle United career.