Akinbiyi set to join Blades

Stoke triker Ade Akinbiyi is poised to join Sheffield United after City accepted an offer from their Coca-Cola Championship rivals today.

The two clubs have agreed a fee which is also thought to include a £50,000 bonus for Stoke if the Blades win promotion to the Premiership.

Akinbiyi has been given permission to speak directly with United manager Neil Warnock, who looks to have beaten off competition from Wigan and Burnley.

A Potters spokesman said: “We can confirm that Sheffield United have made an offer which has been accepted, and the player has been given permission to hold talks with them.”

The 30-year-old striker, who joined Stoke on a free transfer from Crystal Palace at the start of last season, is currently City’s leading scorer with seven goals – having netted a total of 17 in 62 games for the club.