Some of the previous volume of rumour and speculation seems to have quietened down,
CURRENT TALK & SPECULATION:
NYRON NOSWORTHY : The Star reports that Sunderland are holding out for “in excess” of £500k for Nosworthy, but any movement is possibly dependant on Sol Campbell`s decision on a move to The Mackams. Blackwell said he “wanted to get things done quickly” He`s no chance of that with Steve Bruce. The Star is reporting that a senior source has said that “as things stand, the deal is far too expensive”. So we wait and see, don`t think this is going to just disappear, lots of time yet.
KYLE BARTLEY : Blackwell has not ruled out a move to bring him back, saying that there are a few young players the club are interested in, but any movement will be down to the parent clubs. Whilst trying to avoid last season`s loan fiasco, it wouldn`t be a surprise to see Bartley join up after the Malta trip, especially given the protracted situation with Nosworthy.
CARL DICKINSON : Earlier speculation on Stoke web sites linked him to Blades, then some rumours that Preston were also interested in taking him, probably on loan. The player was said to want a permanent move, but nothing further on this for a week now.
WALKER & NAUGHTON : The Daily Mail speculated that both were to return on a season long loan a few days ago? but it`s the Mail isn`t it, and who knows what ‘arry is likely to do next! Spurs are off to play in New York soon, interesting to see who he takes on the trip. Blades fans want one or both back and don`t care on what basis!
GREG HALFORD: Still much speculation that Greg is on his way back. Another player dingle Mick doesn`t rate, so the link with The Blades is an obvious one. Not sure how much of this is just wishful thinking by lots of Blades fans.
ALAN TATE : Some imaginative journalist in South wales came up with the “Tate makeweight in Speed swoop” to which the player said he wasn`t going to be used as part-ex for anybody! Could there be something in this?
GARY SPEED : A great many solid reports that Swans had Gary Speed MBE as their number one target, confirmed by Swans Chairman Huw Jenkins. McCabe & Birch have refused their approach twice according to The Star. Brendan Rodgers is the new front runner at The Liberty. Good to see United`s determination to plan for the future.
MARCEL SEIP : No further news, seems unlikely that Marcel will return but Blackwell might be waiting on the Nosworthy / Bartley position to clarify.
POLISH TRIALIST: Blackwell confirmed that a Polish full back that had been monitored by scouts last season has been asked to link up with the team in Malta. No information on him yet from Blades fans in Malta.
STEFAN MAIERHOFFER : One source speculating that United are interested in the Austrian striker who has fallen out with Mick Mac. Bristol City had him on loan last season so are likely to be alerted, unless the £1m price tag cools their interest. Blackwell has said he is finished with the striking dept?. unless someone is on his way out??
THREE EUROPEAN TRIALISTS : All released after pre season training and the friendly at Field Mill.
TOM WILLIAMS : Released along with the ‘Europe 3″
PREVIOUS RUMOURS:
JAY DeMERIT : Strong rumours that the USA World Cup central defender was due to arrive, but no further news or sightings yet. Might be he`s taking a holiday stateside?
MICHAEL MIFSUD : Mifsud is currently back in Malta playing for Valletta, and training with the Malta squad. Wouldn`t be surprising to see him link up with the teams warm weather training, must be too good a commercial opportunity to pass up.
DANNY BUTTERFIELD : Blackwell was said to be monitoring the situation after Butterfield became a free agent from Palace a couple of weeks ago. No further rumour.
ZURAB KHIZANISHVILI : Very thin thread that the Georgian defender will be released from his contract if he can find a club. Blackwell had previously enquired about a loan last season, nothing more than that.
PADDY McCARTHY : No further speculation.
If you can add to, or update any of the above rumours, feel free.
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