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Why Ched is worth the chase for Blades
EXTRACTING Ched Evans from Manchester City threatens to become a painstaking and laborious process.
But even though Kevin Blackwell's pursuit of the Wales striker - identified by the Championship club as the perfect foil for Darius Hederson and Jamie Ward - is likely to test the Sheffield United manager's patienc, an analysis of the youngster's credentials illustrates why it is worth persevering.
A loan spell at Norwich two seasons ago is where those seeking to measure Evans' potential worth should begin their research.
The Premier League might be a step too far at this stage of his career but statistics revealing 10 goals in only 20 starts suggest he can flourish at Championship level.
Not the quickest - but also far from slow - Evans has the physical prowess which would give United valuable options up front as they look to streamline their squad as directors contemplate life without the luxury of a Premier League parachute payment.
As Daniel Sturridge's move to Chelsea shows, City's new-found wealth means they no longer have to persevere with young talent.
Manager Mark Hughes' refusal to accept the 1.5 million offer Blackwell submitted earlier this month indicates the clubs' respective valuations are still wide enough apart to require further negotiation.
It raises the possibility that another bidder - Cardiff perhaps? - could yet enter the fray and spark the kind of auction that would do no-one other than Manchester City any good.
Evans needs regular action to continue his development and United would benefit from extra firepower.
In a market as volatile as football there is no such thing as a dead cert ,and the former Chester protege sports plenty of rough edges.
But, with youth on his side and plenty of raw potential, he fits United's recruitment profile perfectly.
Landing his signature is a game of brinkmanship that Blackwell can win.
Bold and brash on the touchline, the former Leeds and Luton chief cuts an altogether different figure in the transfer market, where he prefers to do business behind a veil of secrecy.
Leaks from Blackwell's inner circle are rare and there is no doubt that he would have preferred a quick, clean deal.
He is unlikely to have shown his entire hand immediately though.
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- as Hughes will be aware.
There are plenty of other avenues for United to pursue should Evans remain elusive.
Jermaine Beckford, intent on severing his ties with Blackwell’s old paymasters at Elland Road, is one.
Leeds are prepared to entertain a player-plus-cash exchange.
Meanwhile, Paul Gallagher finds himself in a similar position to Evans at Blackburn Rovers.
Leroy Lita, a free agent after leaving Reading, could leap out of left field, despite appearing less than enamoured about the prospect of moving north when the idea was first entertained in January.
Whatever Blackwell decides, it promises to be an intriguing summer.
n Meanwhile, Fiorentina insist they did not receive an official offer from Sheffield United for Arturo Lupoli before allowing the Italian striker to join Ascoli.
Lupoli, who spent nearly four months on loan at Bramall Lane last season, has been transferred to the Serie B club as part of a swap deal which saw Francesco Di Tacchio move in the opposite direction.
Although Ascoli - based in a town boasting just over 50,000 inhabitants - appears an unusual destination for a player looking to revitalise his career, the Bianconeri enjoy a proud reputation for punching above their weight; competing in the top flight 16 times since 1974.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
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