United, who last night confirmed they will be expanding their overseas scouting network, have staked a claim to become part of England's official bid for the 2018 tournament.

Kevin McCabe, the club's plc chairman, believes there is a "compelling case" for Bramall Lane to be included on the list of possible venues and has pledged to ensure the stadium meets the strict criteria governing venues for group stage games.

As The Star exclusively revealed earlier this year, United contacted organisers to press their case before January's Steel City derby at Hillsborough.

McCabe is aware that achieving promotion to the Premier League would lend further weight to United's cause as they look to fight off competition from Elland Road which is also believed to be interested in hosting matches.

"It makes perfect sense to bring games here if England's bid is successful," McCabe said.

"Sheffield is the home of football in this country and the rules were written a stone's throw away from our ground.

"We already have one of the best, if not the best, venues in the region, and if we get the go-ahead then any further improvements would all ensure Bramall Lane fulfils also the requirements.

"I believe we have a strong case for inclusion.

"Because of the history surrounding this city and the sport, I think that would greatly enhance the overall bid."

Although Kevin Blackwell will welcome United's efforts to consolidate their position in the nation's sporting consciousness, the manager's main priority this summer is identifying the players he believes can ensure the team mount a strong challenge for promotion next term.

To that end, Blackwell is planning to completely overhaul the methods United's use to sourcing and sign both domestic and overseas talent.

United have enjoyed mixed success in the foreign transfer market recently and Blackwell said: "We're developing a brand-new scouting system that will be more inclusive both home and abroad so we could see one or two foreign players coming in.

"What we've got to do is not sign the big names but the right names."
Striker Luton Shelton, recruited from Swedish side Helsingborgs IF, is among those names Blackwell's predecssors have drafted in from abroad, although injury has hampered his progress of late.

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