By Paul Holmes
May 26 2002

Lee Sharpe looks set to move to the USA, and join up with MLS side NY/NJ Metrostars as he tries to kick-start his career. Sharpe was told by Bradford bosses that he would not offered a renewed contract in the summer and was forced to look elsewhere for a club.

The former England star had been linked with Grimsby Town but only if he would reduce his wage demands by 66%. Sharpe was on a staggering £10,000 a week whilst at Valley Parade in a less than fruitful spell.

Sharpe was once the golden boy of English football, the David Beckham of 10 years ago if you please. Signed by Manchester United from Torquay as a teenager, Sharpe was an instant hit with the United fans with his dazzling skills and Elvis/corner flag goal celebrations. Sadly a crictical illness deprived Sharpe of progressing his career further at Old Trafford and upon his return to full health his place was taken by a fledging of youngsters including.... David Beckham.

in 1996 Sharpe moved to Leeds United for £4,500,000 as he tried to boost his career and return to the International fold. However that was not to be as Sharpe struggled at Leeds and a young Harry Kewell made the left wing his own.

Sharpe was loaned out to Sampdoria, then managed by David Platt and later to Bradford. The Bantams were impressed enough to pay £200,000 for Sharpe but his best was behind him. At the end of the 2000/01 season was loaned to Portsmouth were he showed his class at times, but not often enough before he returned to Bradford.

The New York/New Jersey Metrostars are one of the biggest teams in MLS and are managed by former Liverpool and Scotland defender Steve Nicol.

Another Bradford player who looks set to leave is Gunnar Halle. The Norwegian full back was loaned out to Wolves before transfer deadline day as a part of Bradfords wage cutting excercise. Halle was also told his contract won't be renewed and could join up with Lillestrom in his native land. Halle may well be keen to join Lillestrom as they are set to play in next seasons Champions League.