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BLADES: Sheffield United winger heading for Wales in £500,000 deal
SHEFFIELD United winger David Cotterill is expected to hold talks with Swansea City after the two clubs agreed a fee for the Wales international, The Star can reveal.
Cotterill, who has struggled to command a regular place in Kevin Blackwell's starting 11 this season, has been granted permission to speak to officials at the Liberty Stadium after being deemed surplus to requirements.
Huw Jenkins, Swansea's chairman, suggested last night that he is hopeful of securing the 21-year-old's signature before next week's deadline for loan signings.
Should the move be completed then Cotterill's transfer will be made permanent during the January transfer window.
"We are getting closer," Jenkins said. "We are certainly closer than we were last week although nothing has been finalised yet.
"There's no desperate rush.
"We are just looking to bring in one or two players to strengthen the squad for the remainder of the season."
Although Jenkins refuted claims that Cotterill's price tag has been finalised, sources in the principality claim that a figure of around 500,000 has been discussed.
If that proves to be correct, then it will represent a significant loss on the estimated 1m United paid Wigan Athletic for Cotterill 16 months ago.
Cotterill, who initially arrived on loan during Bryan Robson's reign, made an instant impression in South Yorkshire and a series of incisive displays persuaded Blackwell to offer him a long-term contract after succeeding the former England captain at the helm.
However, despite the initial excitement at capturing a player regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the Football League, Cotterill failed to establish himself.
With centre-half Matthew Kilgallon also destined for the exit door, Blackwell is likely to embark on a major recruitment drive in the New Year.
Wales, including Cotterill's Bramall Lane team mate Ched Evans, tasted defeat for the first time in Euro 2011 qualifying competition when they lost 2-1 in Bosnia-Herzegovina yesterday.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
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