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Rivals lock horns in the transfer market
THE SHADOW boxing between Sheffield United and Leeds intensified last night when Bramall Lane's arch rivals entered the race for Derby County's Paul Connolly.
The defender, who recently spent five weeks on loan with Kevin Blackwell's side, has emerged as prime candidate to fill the vacant right-back role which has existed at Elland Road ever since Jason Crowe underwent surgery during the closing stages of the season.
Blackwell, the manager charged with rebuilding a United squad ravaged by injuries and unforseen departures, will not be surprised to learn of his former club's interest. Indeed, sparring between the region's two footballing heavyweights, has long since threatened to become the most brutal bout of this summer's transfer market.
Nick Montgomery, whose contract at United is poised to expire, continues to be courted by both Blackwell and his counterpart Simon Grayson while Daniel Bogdanovic, the Malta international, interested Leeds before signing on the dotted line in S2. And then there is the small matter of Billy Sharp; a striker some United directors believe could yet be persuaded to stay with Blackwell's side but who seems destined to join either Doncaster Rovers or make the 35 mile journey up the M1.
Connolly, declared surplus to requirements at Pride Park, is simply the latest installment in an increasingly predictable saga. Although neither set of supporters would care to admit it, the similarities between United and Leeds meant such conflicts were inevitable.
Both will start the new campaign billed as contenders. Both enjoy - and endure - the weight of expectation placed upon their shoulders by large and vociferous crowds. And both, perhaps most importantly, must tread carefully when it comes to budgets.
Which meant that when Blackwell and Grayson compiled their lists of possible targets, the same names were bound to keep cropping up.
Players not only with the technical ability to prosper in the upper echelons of the division but also with the strength of character to perform in such demanding surroundings.
Having seen Chris Morgan, who attracted admiring glances from Grayson earlier this year, pen a new contract, United will land another blow on Grayson when Bogdanovic is officially unveiled as a United player before the weekend.
But while Leeds strive to equip themselves for demands of Championship competition after three seasons in League One, the task Blackwell faces is considerably more challenging. Grayson is simply looking to sprinkle a veneer of quality across some already established options. Blackwell, by contrast, must build almost entirely from scratch with only senior 13 players confirmed on his roster.
Against a backdrop of continued economic turbulence both at home and abroad.
Changes to the taxation system are expected to cause Blackwell and his managerial colleagues considerable difficulties if they attempt to coax European talent to these shores. Nevertheless United are understood to be monitoring Abin Ebondo's situation at Toulouse should Connolly prove elusive.
Swansea's Ashley Richards, who was forced to turn down John Toshack's invitation to appear for Wales during their recent friendly in Croatia, was another avenue being explored but has now agreed a new contract at the Liberty Stadium. "I'm a Swansea boy and I'm proud to finally agree," he said. "I'm still young, but I'm determined to keep developing and pushing for a regular place in the first team next season."
Andrea Orlandi, Fede Bessone, Albert Serran and Lee Trundle are set to become free agents shortly while Leon Britton, Richards' team mate in south Wales, has been singled-out by Blackwell and his staff as a possibility. But while he would be a popular addition, Britton could find the opportunity of resurrecting his partnership with Roberto Martinez at Wigan too tempting to resist.
The Spaniard, who saw a 1m bid rejected by Swansea in January, helped groom the Londoner into an effective operator at Championship level after succeeding Kenny Jackett at the helm.
Swansea's Stephen Dobbie is unsure of his future after helping Blackpool beat Cardiff in Saturday's play-off final. The striker moved to Bloomfield Road on loan earlier this year.
Wayne Rooney has declared himself fully fit and fresh and is saving his goals for the World Cup after a mini drought with England.
Rooney has managed only one goal for his country in the past year in a sequence spanning seven internationals since his brace against Andorra last June.
And Rooney has allayed fears he was suffering from an ankle problem after being hampered by a groin injury in the latter part of the season.
Rooney said: "Fitness-wise I feel good. I haven't got an ankle problem. I've trained every training session.
"I don't know where that (story) has come from. It's a load of rubbish."
Got a view? Leave a comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Tuesday 07 February 2012
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