Malta striker Daniel Bogdanovic has hit back at officials of his former club Barnsley who have labelled the player greedy.

In an article by Ian Appleyard in The Yorkshire Post earlier this week, it was also claimed that Bogdanovic had also been offered the chance to move to Leeds United. The Malta striker, who finished last season as Barnsley’s top scorer with 14 goals, also appears to have received offers from clubs in Italy, Qatar, Greece and Turkey before deciding to join England’s Championship side Sheffield United, which is sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority.

Appleyard says that according to reports, Bogdanovic had demanded a 100 per cent rise to sign a new deal with Barnsley.

Bogdanovic was quoted as saying that it was completely false that he had moved for the money. “I want to play for Sheffield United because it is a club that can make me a better player and a better athlete. It is ambitious and a club that gives me the possibility to reach my goal of playing in the Premier League.

“Of course, I have a good contract,” he added. “I would be a hypocrite if I did not say so. It is a good move for me, financially, but it is not the best offer, financially, I received.”

Appleyard also quoted Bogdanovic as saying that he was flattered with the interest shown in him. “It shows you have done your job on the pitch,” said the Malta striker.

Bogdanovic who has played for a good number of clubs in Malta and abroad, before moving to Barnsley on an association which lasted 16 months, has signed a two-year deal at The Bramall Lane Stadium and also has the option of extending it for a further 12 months.

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell said about Bogdanovic’s signing: “It’s a relief to get the first new player in – following on from the good news about Chris Morgan’s extended contract and the re-signing of Nick Montgomery. Daniel made a name for himself in the Championship last season and I hope he goes on to forge a successful career here. He has some attributes that can be important to us and the more variety we have the better.”

The Sheffield club’s Chief Executive, Trevor Birch, said: “There was competition for his services and some very attractive offers made by other clubs.

“He has proved himself very capable and adaptable, having played across Europe before coming to England. He is tall and athletic with different skills to what we already have and he will give us even more attacking options.

“Throughout our negotiations he left us in no doubt that he considered United a good move for him and he has great confidence in his ability to do well here.”

Some of Bogdanovic's first action for United in pre-season will take him back to Malta when the Blades are there between 12th-17th July.

Leeds denial

Leeds United have denied claims by striker Daniel Bogdanovic that the Elland Road club attempted to sign him prior to his move to Sheffield United.

As reported above, Bogdanovic stated that Leeds were one of several clubs interested in recruiting him after he finalised a free transfer from Barnsley to Bramall Lane on Wednesday.

In a statement, Leeds said: “Leeds United (have) refuted a claim from former Barnsley striker Daniel Bogdanovic that he had the opportunity to join the Elland Road club.

“Bogdanovic made the claim after signing for Sheffield United but the Elland Road club can firmly deny that that is the case.

“The club received a call about the player's availabilty but he was never offered the chance to come to Leeds.”