KEVIN BLACKWELL must use all his powers of persuasion to convince Andrew Surman that his future lies at Bramall Lane after Wolverhampton Wanderers stepped-up their pursuit of the Southampton midfielder.
Having suffered the indignity of relegation to League One last season and with their parent company teetering on the brink of financial extinction, Surman is expected to become the second high-profile departure from the south coast club following David McGoldrick's move to Nottingham Forest earlier this week.
The 22-year-old emerged from the perfect storm engulfing St Mary's with his reputation intact.
But despite attempting to exploit Southampton's desperate situation by tabling a £1m bid following last month's play-off final, the United manager knows Wolves' decision to enter the race poses the greatest threat to his plans since Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers also expressed an interest.
Blackwell will be acutely aware that the lure of Premier League football can be strong.
Wolves, who are understood to have matched Blackwell's valuation, can also tempt Surman with more attractive personal terms.
So, unless he chooses to pursue alternative targets, it would appear that a guarantee of regular first team action represents Blackwell's best hope of luring him to South Yorkshire.
Spreading a veneer of quality across their midfield is one of United's most important tasks of the summer.
Brian Howard, the former Barnsley captain, possess drive and goal-scoring prowess while Nick Montgomery and Stephen Quinn are tireless workers.
But, after overhauling their spying network soon after replacing Bryan Robson at the helm, Blackwell is known to have asked his scouts to unearth someone capable of dictating both direction and tempo.
United's preparations for next month's curtain-raiser at Middlesbrough – a match which now takes place on Friday 7th August (kick-off 7.45pm) – begin in earnest on Monday when they travel to Malta.
The Mediterranean island's tourist board entered into a ground-breaking sponsorship agreement with Blackwell's side last year.
Supporters who have arranged their own packages are being urged to register their details with staff at Bramall Lane to ensure they receive free entry into a variety of United-themed events.
United season tickets are now on general sale.
A price freeze, part of the club's self-styled 'Affordable Football' campaign, means they cost the same – or less – than last year.
Seats in the Frazers Property Kop are £349 (adult) and £229 (concessions), £449 and £259 for the Valad Stand, £449 and £259 in the VisitMalta.com Family Enclosure, while under-16s and under-13s can gain entry for £129 and £69 respectively.
Tickets are available online, from the box office at Bramall Lane or by telephoning 0871 995 1889.
Former United midfielder Kyle Nix is attempting to earn a contract with Mansfield Town.
Nix was released by Bradford City at the end of last season after spending two years at Valley Parade.
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