Bladesman
The Great Grumbleduke
Blades money on the table
SHEFFIELD United could make another headline grabbing raid on the Premiership as they prepare to flex their muscles in the transfer market.
Nearly 12 months since James Beattie completed a record-breaking move to Bramall Lane, The Star understands that Kevin Blackwell has been assured funds will be made available to lure another big name to South Yorkshire providing he can convince directors it would considerably enhance the club's chances of promotion.
Although Blackwell, who has made no secret of the fact that his summer recruitment drive will focus mainly on tried and tested Championship players, is far from certain to accept the board's offer the very fact it has been made illustrates United's determination to claim the top six finish which narrowly evaded them last term.
Beattie, a former England international, scored 22 goals following his £4m switch from Everton and his success, combined with the impact Blackwell has enjoyed since he replaced Bryan Robson at the helm in February, has prompted this latest show of support from United's paymasters.
Blackwell, who guided a faltering team from mid-table obscurity to within one game of qualifying for the end of season play-offs, will reciprocate by ensuring a wage bill, reputedly the highest in the division, does not spiral out of control.
Having spent the past four days in Brazil, where he is exploring the possibility of signing several youngsters from Sao Paulo, the United manager will press ahead with his search for reinforcements this weekend.
Providing United retain Beattie's services, then a creative midfielder and versatile defender are believed to top his list of priorities but talks are scheduled to continue after the weekend with Wigan Athletic aimed at securing David Cotterill's return; possibly on another loan.
Australia striker Marco Bresciano, recently linked with United, has asked Palermo to sell him providing an acceptable offer is received while Colin Kazim-Richards, the midfielder United sold to Fenerbache at the start of last season, is not on Hull City's wanted-list according to their chairman Paul Duffen.
Would be good to make a decent big name signing. Although its going to take alot to lure someone from the Premiership.
SHEFFIELD United could make another headline grabbing raid on the Premiership as they prepare to flex their muscles in the transfer market.
Nearly 12 months since James Beattie completed a record-breaking move to Bramall Lane, The Star understands that Kevin Blackwell has been assured funds will be made available to lure another big name to South Yorkshire providing he can convince directors it would considerably enhance the club's chances of promotion.
Although Blackwell, who has made no secret of the fact that his summer recruitment drive will focus mainly on tried and tested Championship players, is far from certain to accept the board's offer the very fact it has been made illustrates United's determination to claim the top six finish which narrowly evaded them last term.
Beattie, a former England international, scored 22 goals following his £4m switch from Everton and his success, combined with the impact Blackwell has enjoyed since he replaced Bryan Robson at the helm in February, has prompted this latest show of support from United's paymasters.
Blackwell, who guided a faltering team from mid-table obscurity to within one game of qualifying for the end of season play-offs, will reciprocate by ensuring a wage bill, reputedly the highest in the division, does not spiral out of control.
Having spent the past four days in Brazil, where he is exploring the possibility of signing several youngsters from Sao Paulo, the United manager will press ahead with his search for reinforcements this weekend.
Providing United retain Beattie's services, then a creative midfielder and versatile defender are believed to top his list of priorities but talks are scheduled to continue after the weekend with Wigan Athletic aimed at securing David Cotterill's return; possibly on another loan.
Australia striker Marco Bresciano, recently linked with United, has asked Palermo to sell him providing an acceptable offer is received while Colin Kazim-Richards, the midfielder United sold to Fenerbache at the start of last season, is not on Hull City's wanted-list according to their chairman Paul Duffen.
Would be good to make a decent big name signing. Although its going to take alot to lure someone from the Premiership.
