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Bromby in and Lita bid stepped up as Beattie goes to Stoke
SHEFFIELD United will intensify their efforts to sign Leroy Lita after James Beattie, the club's top goalscorer, completed his move to Stoke City last night.
After a slow start, the January transfer window exploded into life when Leigh Bromby returned to Bramall Lane following a 12-month sabbatical with Watford before Beattie put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract at the Britannia Stadium.
Speaking before boarding the train for tonight's rearranged FA Cup third round tie at Leyton Orient, Kevin Blackwell, the United manager, had refused to rule out the possibility of Beattie remaining in South Yorkshire despite confirming directors had accepted an improved offer from Stoke potentially worth 3.5 million.
He will attempt to soften the blow of losing a player who scored 34 times in just 65 appearances by approaching Reading about their former England under-21 international, Lita.
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Blackwell said: "It was a tremendous opportunity that came along for James and I'm sure he'll be terrific for them.
"I didn't think I'd keep him during the last window and so I was always worried about this one."
Although Blackwell has refused to divulge the names on his wanted list - "I don't talk about these things in public. That's not the right way of doing things" - preliminary discussions are already believed to have taken place with Reading aimed at securing Lita's release.
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Lita, aged 24, enjoys a reputation as one of the Championship's most prolific marksmen and recently completed a successful spell on loan at Norwich, beaten 1-0 by United at the weekend.
Darius Henderson, who scored the winner against Glenn Roeder's side, admitted Beattie's record means he will be a tough act to follow.
"We've got to make sure James is not missed too much," he said.
It is understood United have resolved to strengthen their attacking options after climbing to fourth in the table.
Lita has stated he has no intention of asking for a move but, with his contract set to expire in the summer, the decision could be taken out of his hands.
Beattie on mission to save misfiring Stoke
"I made it clear that I have no plans to go anywhere. In the past, I have let things get to me," Lita said.
"I was a bit unsettled in the last couple of years, but I have to get my head right and I am looking forward to helping the team until the end of the season."
With United in need of cover at centre-half, Bromby's capture makes perfect sense given the fact he should be able to make a seamless transition between Vicarage Road and Bramall Lane.
Deemed surplus to requirements by Blackwell's predecessor, Bryan Robson, Bromby's season-long loan deal is expected to be made permanent after United agreed an undisclosed sum with their Hertfordshire rivals.
Bromby said: "I never wanted to leave in the first place. I had other offers but when I knew United were interested that was that."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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