Bradley Johnson has signalled that he might stay at Leeds United at the end of the season, despite talks over a new deal breaking down.

The United midfielder will be a free agent at the end of the season, able to walk away without a fee and it looked as though he would certainly leave when his agent and the club failed to agree new terms.

But talking about the run-in to the end of the season, Johnson raised fans’ hopes by saying: "I’ve played in every league and my dream is to play in the Premiership, and to do it with Leeds would be a dream."

Johnson sounded optimistic that Leeds are in with a shout – they are currently fifth, only five points behind second-placed Norwich – adding: "All the lads want to play in the Premiership.

"We’re right in it. Nobody expected us to be here at this stage but we’ve got a nine-game season now and every game will be like a cup final."

On Saturday, Leeds go to relegation-threatened Sheffield United, managed by former United full back Micky Adams, and Simon Grayson’s side could be boosted by the return of Paul Connolly.

The right back, who has missed the last six games, came through a full 90 minutes as the reserves blitzed Gateshead 6-0 on Tuesday, with Sanchez Watt and Ross McCormack each picking up two goals and Nathan Turner and Ramon Nunez also on target.