LEON Clarke's transfer saga drew to a close yesterday as the forward completed his move to Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee.

The Bury Times understands the Blades were forced to cough up a six-figure sum to prise David Flitcroft's prize asset away from Gigg Lane, an improvement on the previous three offers.

The fee also included add-ons which could substantially increase the profit made on the 31-year-old, who signed on a free transfer from Wolves 12 months ago.

Flitcroft claims he did everything in his power to persuade his top goalscorer to stay, but in the end he was reluctantly happy with the deal.

“While we tried everything to convince Leon to stay with us, once his mind was made up I have dealt with it in the best interests of the club,” he explained.

"We had to make sure we got the best possible deal for the football club, which I believe we have achieved.

“It is very difficult when a club the size of Sheffield United makes your player their number one target, as it is very difficult for us to compete with their financial power."

In a statement released via the club, Clarke acknowledged Flitcroft's efforts to keep him at Gigg Lane.

However, the lure of challenging for Championship football with the Blades proved too tempting.

Clarke said: “The manager desperately wanted to keep me and worked tirelessly trying to convince me to stay.

“The challenge of playing at a big club again who are promotion favourites were ultimately major factors in my decision to want to join Sheffield United.”

Meanwhile, Bury have been drawn alongside Stoke under-21s, Bradford and Morecambe in the EFL Trophy Northern Group C.

The Shakers will play each team one, either home or away, with the first games taking place the week commencing August 29.