Bladesman
The Great Grumbleduke
Cattermole targeted by Blades
SHEFFIELD United manager Bryan Robson wants Middlesbrough's Lee Cattermole to bolster the club's promotion push in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Robson hopes to sign the highly-rated teenager on loan after pulling out of a deal for veteran Brazilian international Ze Maria earlier this week.
Cattermole, 19, has started only one league game for Middlesbrough so far this season, but is still regarded as a player for the future at the Riverside Stadium.
He was recalled for Boro's midweek Carling Cup defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, but is expected to be back on the bench for Sunday's game with Everton.
A temporary spell under former Boro manager Robson in the Championship could help his progression and inject fresh aggression into the Blades' midfield.
Robson, whose side entertain Southampton tomorrow as they return to League action, yesterday re-affirmed his desire to bolster his options in midfield, saying: "I have made a couple of enquiries and I am waiting for replies from a couple of managers.
"Before the last deadline, I had reasonable success with my targets, and there is consideration of allowing them out on loan. It's an all-round player we need, who can either do box-to-box or pass the ball and keep possession.
"I have put in phone calls to see how they have gone in Cup competition," he added. "Hopefully things will come back positive. I want someone to provide competition for the midfield lads, whilst it will also guard against injuries and suspensions."
The return of former England international midfielder Lee Hendrie in Tuesday night's Carling Cup win over Morecambe was a welcome boost for Robson who is also waiting for summer signing David Carney to gain full fitness.
Wage demands hijacked the proposed move for Ze Maria this week and the Brazilian is now in talks over a move to Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers.
Would be a decent signing i think.