SHEFFIELD UNITED manager Kevin Blackwell is facing some potentially season-defining decisions as interest mounts in players on the fringes of his first team.
Championship rivals Reading are monitoring Chris Armstrong's position at Bramall Lane after the left-back failed to appear during the club's two league outings so far this term while another absentee, fellow defender Derek Geary, is also believed to
have attracted admiring glances from elsewhere.
Blackwell, who has already allowed Rob Hulse and Chris Lucketti to leave United, recently reserved the right to sanction more departures before the transfer window closes next month.
But he must balance any move to trim his staff with the possible effect it could have on cover and competition for places within United's close-knit squad.
What do you think? Post your comments below.Blackwell issued a tonge-in-cheek response when asked to clarify his plans.
"I'm looking to bring about six new faces in and let about the same number go," he said. "And people can take that anyway they want."
Blackwell has made no attempt to disguise his irritation at reports linking United players with moves elsewhere as he attempts to build upon their encouraging start to the new campaign.
But he has asked Shirecliffe's scouting department to draw-up a list of targets with United's midfield coming under particular scrutiny.
Armstrong's efforts to establish himself in Blackwell's starting 11 have been hampered by a blistered foot but Reading believe the prospect of regular football will prove impossible for the 26-year-old to resist.
However Steve Coppell, Blackwell's counterpart at the Madejski Stadium, is also considering a number of alternatives including Southampton's Andrew Surman and Arsenal teenager Kieran Gibbs.
"There is nothing imminent and the search goes on, but it is not a desperate one because it has to be the right player," Coppell said.
Meanwhile, United captain Chris Morgan resumes training tomorrow after being concussed during last weekend's 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers.
*David Carney played for Australia in their 2-2 friendly draw with South Africa at QPR last night.
The 'Socceroos' are preparing for the final round of 2010 World Cup qualification against Uzbekistan on September 10.
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