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Former Sheffield United striker Sharp has scored 10 goals this season

Doncaster Rovers have moved to keep in-demand striker Billy Sharp by offering him the most lucrative deal in the Championship club's history.

The 25-year-old looked set to be joining Leicester City after the two clubs agreed a fee at the weekend.

But Rovers' official Twitter external-link page read: "We are going to offer Billy Sharp a new contract which will be the best the club have ever offered."

"We are hopeful Billy wants to stay," boss Dean Saunders added.

"We just feel we cannot afford to lose a player of Billy's quality without a fight."

The striker is expected to hold talks with the Foxes at some point this week.

But Doncaster are desperate to hold onto Sharp, who has scored 10 goals in 18 games this season.

"He's become a legend during his time at Doncaster and I want to keep him to spearhead a team aimed at pushing for the top-six next season," Saunders continued.

"Since I came here, we've taken 21 points from 18 games and, if we carry on like that, we will win the fight to stay in the Championship.

"We know there is more work to be done but we are starting to get players fit again and we are aiming for consistency from now on.

"I just hope the fans will respond and get behind us to help the club push up the table."

Last week Rovers turned down an undisclosed bid from an unnamed club for in-form Sharp, who reportedly has a £1.85m buy-out clause in his contract.

But on Saturday the South Yorkshire club, who lie second from bottom of the table, stated on the official club website: "Rovers can tonight confirm that a fee has been agreed between ourselves and Leicester City for striker Billy Sharp."