Howard still hoping to complete Blades move
Published Date: 01 October 2008
By James Shield
BRIAN Howard has reiterated his desire to join Sheffield United after Barnsley dramatically blocked his switch to Bramall Lane.
Kevin Blackwell's side had hoped to unveil the midfielder as their latest new signing before last night's win at Doncaster Rovers only for their South Yorkshire neighbours to prevent Howard from completing his move.
The delay, which could be resolved later today, is believed to have been caused by attempts to re-negotiate clauses in the £500,000 transfer and allowed Charlton Athletic to submit what officials at Oakwell described as "an acceptable offer."
But with Howard, who passed a medical at United before Blackwell's players travelled to Doncaster, insisting that his heart remains set on United, Barnsley's hardline stance threatens to sour their relationship with the 25-year-old, not to mention his prospective new employers.
Although United refused to respond publicly to a tersely worded Barnsley statement, sources close to the promotion hopefuls insist they are still confident Howard will arrive on loan in time for Saturday's visit of Bristol City before completing a permanent move in January.
"I haven't got a clue," Blackwell said, responding to questions about when the deal might be finalised. "I can't say anything. It was agreed though. It was agreed."
Howard, who rose to prominence when he scored the winning against Liverpool during last season's FA Cup tie at Anfield, has refused to sign a new contract at Oakwell as he attempts to realise his dream of appearing regularly in the Premier League; an ambition he clearly believes he has more chance of fulfilling at United.
Blackwell's charges climbed to sixth place courtesy of Gareth Roberts' own goal and Stephen Quinn.
But their progress came at a price with Greg Halford (shin) and James Beattie (dead leg) sustaining injuries.
"Greg's got eight stitches," Blackwell said. "But that showed his commitment."
Meanwhile, West Ham, who last week lost their legal battle with United over the Carlos Tevez Affair, could face another claim for damages from Fulham and Wigan, a leading lawyer has confirmed.
Andrew Quirk, from the Stevens and Bolton LLP law firm, said: "The ruling opens the way to claims from clubs who finished within three points of West Ham."
as mentioned earlier by a few of you. We seem to have had the rub of the green in terms of transfers this season in terms of signing players like carsley and phillips who were wanted by Derby. Quincey was wanted by a few prem teams and now howard seems to have decided to move to us instead, i don't know how much truth is involved is this story. I guess it'll all become clear in a few days, eh?
