Gary Madine has told Cardiff City that he wants to remain at Sheffield United when his loan deal ends next month.

The striker joined the Blades in a short term deal in January after a nightmare spell at the Bluebirds.

Madine has netted three times for the Championship club having failed to score for City before his year long stay was ended.

“This feels like home to me now,” said Madine, who started today’s crucial game at home to Nottingham Forest.

“I’d be devastated if I had to move on from here at the end of the season. I’d love to stay for as long as the manager wants me and hopefully that’s beyond the summer.

“I knew I’d enjoy it here, that’s why I jumped at the chance to come, but I wasn’t thinking about the future, I just wanted to come and play games, score goals and win promotion again.

“These lads are a special bunch, working daily with this manager and his staff is something I’ve relished.”

Madine, who also played for Sheffield Wednesday, added: “I don’t want to be disrespectful to Cardiff City but it’s a long way from home and it’s never really happened for me there.

“I’m settled here, I’m content and happy. I’ve proved I play my best football when I’m happy and I couldn’t be happier than I am at Sheffield United.”