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Sheffield United's cover blown in McIndoe bid
KEVIN Blackwell's efforts to conduct his transfer dealings behind a veil of secrecy were wrecked last night when Championship rivals Bristol City confirmed Michael McIndoe has been granted permission to discuss a move to Sheffield United.
Their highly-rated midfielder McIndoe, who has also represented Wolves, Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley during an 11-year career, is expected to arrive at Bramall Lane for talks within the next 24 hours after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
The development came less than a day after Blackwell, who has also confirmed the signing of Kyel Reid, attempted to distance himself from reports linking United with McIndoe despite widespread speculation.
The United manager is unlikely to have welcomed Gary Johnson's decision to publicly discuss the matter during a media conference at Ashton Gate.
But any difference of opinion with his counterpart at City will not cast a shadow over negotiations with a player who, The Star can reveal, Blackwell first tried to buy in January.
"We're all involved in a big game of poker," Blackwell said. "One big deal will probably change all of that.
"There'll be a domino effect."
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Blackwell's cover blown in McIndoe bid
United stepped up their efforts to exploit McIndoe's contractual situation when it became clear that another confirmed target, Southampton's Andrew Surman, was bound for Wolves.
The Scotland international is entering the closing stages of his deal with City, meaning Johnson faced the prospect of seeing his player's value diminish over the next 12 months.
United face a similar predicament with Matthew Kilgallon although Blackwell is "optimistic" the defender will remain in South Yorkshire.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
