Vålerenga, the five times Norwegian champions, are ready to pay up to £700,000 for Sheffield United striker Luton Shelton.
The Jamaica striker, who arrived at Bramall Lane in a £1.8m deal from Helsingborgs 18 months ago, heads the Scandinavians' wanted-list as they attempt to improve upon their 7th placed finish in last season's Tippeligaen.
Although the Oslo club have yet to submit an official offer, The Star understands that they could make contact later this week as they test Kevin Blackwell's resolve to retain a player who has scored four times in 25 appearances since moving to South Yorkshire.
Should a bid materialise then Blackwell, who yesterday completed the sale of Rob Hulse to Derby County, could be tempted to do business; especially after confirming that he wants to trim his squad ahead of the new campaign.
However the United manager, who has picked Shelton on just three occasions since his February appointment, will sign a replacement for Hulse.
Darius Henderson heads the list of those being considered and Blackwell is confident that United will be an attractive proposition for the Doncaster-born forward when he travels north for talks shortly.
Meanwhile, Sun Jihai, captured on a free transfer following his release by Manchester City earlier this summer, has been cleared to play against Birmingham City on August 9.
United had feared the China midfielder would miss the Championship curtain-raiser at St Andrews after being sent-off just 19 minutes into his debut during Wednesday's friendly at KVK Tienen. Sun, who has won over 60 caps for his country, was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards but an FA spokesman told The Star: "His (Sun's) suspension will only apply to non-first team fixtures."
What do you think? Post your comments below. READ MORE Normally, any man spotted skulking around Merseyside sporting day-glo pink trousers could earn himself a stern word or two: CLICK HERE TO READ JAMES SHIELD ON THE BRITISH OPENClick here to see pictures of Sheffield FC v Rotherham United Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 375 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
