SHEFFIELD United today denied they are poised to hold talks with Australia international Mark Bresciano.
Distancing himself from reports that Bresciano, who is valued at around £4 million by Italian club Palermo, is among the names being considered for moves to Bramall Lane, Kevin Blackwell, whose side returned for pre-season training this morning, revealed that he is unlikely to embark on a major spending spree until all the options at his disposal have been thoroughly assessed.
United manager Blackwell recently travelled to watch the Socceroos' World Cup qualifier against Iraq and claims his presence in Dubai is probably the source of the stories.
Ostensibly, the purpose of his trip was to monitor the progress of United midfielder David Carney, one of several players Blackwell wants to watch during next month's friendlies in Hungary, Belgium and Holland before confirming his first-choice 11 for the Championship opener at Birmingham City on August 9.
But The Star understands Blackwell was also keeping tabs on another member of Pim Verbeek's squad.
"I keep hearing all of these names being banded about," the United manager said. "To be honest, I've never even heard of half of them.
"I know about the lad from Italy (Bresciano) but the figures being quoted are way beyond.
One player Blackwell is definitely trailing is Wigan's David Cotterill who impressed on loan at United last term.
Blackwell has also expressed an interest in Manchester United's Lee Martin.
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 284 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
