Uncertainty over Matthew Kilgallon's future won't be allowed to dictate Sheffield United's manoeuvres during the transfer window, chairman Kevin McCabe has warned.
Bramall Lane's chairman and major shareholder made the pledge after coaching staff confirmed they are resigned to losing the centre-half when the Football League re-opens for business next month.
Speaking before Saturday's draw at Queens Park Rangers, manager Kevin Blackwell described the situation as a "fait accompli" as interest in Kilgallon continues to grow.
The 25-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and United could recoup only a fraction of the £1.75 million they paid to sign him from Yorkshire rivals Leeds if the player and his representatives continue to play hardball.
Newcastle, Hull City, Burnley, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic are all known to be monitoring the situation closely, but McCabe told The Star: "The only way Matthew will be going anywhere is if we receive an offer that's acceptable to this club.
Monday's media talk
Posted on: Mon 21 Dec 2009
Uncertainty over Matthew Kilgallon's future won't be allowed to dictate Sheffield United's manoeuvres during the transfer window, chairman Kevin McCabe has warned.
Bramall Lane's chairman and major shareholder made the pledge after coaching staff confirmed they are resigned to losing the centre-half when the Football League re-opens for business next month.
Speaking before Saturday's draw at Queens Park Rangers, manager Kevin Blackwell described the situation as a "fait accompli" as interest in Kilgallon continues to grow.
The 25-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and United could recoup only a fraction of the £1.75 million they paid to sign him from Yorkshire rivals Leeds if the player and his representatives continue to play hardball.
Newcastle, Hull City, Burnley, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic are all known to be monitoring the situation closely, but McCabe told The Star: "The only way Matthew will be going anywhere is if we receive an offer that's acceptable to this club.
Article continues
Advertisement
"If we don't then he will be staying for the remainder of his deal. It's as simple as that.If it's not right for us then nothing will be happening."
Should the board of directors refuse to do business, risking the possibility that Kilgallon could depart for nothing in the summer, then it places further pressure on them to generate funding.
Blackwell has made no attempt to disguise his concerns about the first-team squad's dependence upon loans and is in the process of identifying a list of potential new signings.
Newcastle is understood to be Kilgallon's preferred destination but Hull could attempt to leapfrog them at the front of the queue by offering players in exchange.
Blackwell has confirmed he wants to extend Toni Kallio's loan from Fulham
