The Sheffield United manager, whose preparations for the new Championship season gather pace when his side visit Malta next week, is understood to be monitoring Manchester City's Ched Evans and former Doncaster Rovers midfielder Michael McIndoe after unveiling Lee Williamson earlier this month.

John-Joe O'Toole, a team mate of Williamson's at Vicarage Road, is another potential target after impressing on loan last term.

But Blackwell is also being forced to contend with speculation linking several high profile members of his squad, including defenders Kyle Naughton and Matthew Kilgallon, to Premier League clubs. Kilgallon will shortly hold further talks with United aimed at extending his contract.

Blackwell said: "We know the type of person we want to bring in. Obviously some are further advanced than others.

"We always keep an eye on people and try to keep on top of what is happening out there. That's an on-going process. It doesn't just happen at this time of year."

Kyel Reid, previously of West Ham, is another name on Blackwell's radar and should be unveiled when he completes a medical.

McIndoe could become available if Bristol City, who signed him from Wolves in July 2007, capture Manchester United's Lee Martin.

Leeds' Jermaine Beckford has been strongly linked with United but Nick Rubery, the striker's agent, revealed United's Yorkshire rivals have yet to receive a formal offer.

Rubery said: "We're almost at the end of June and there hasn't been a bid for Jermaine as far as I'm aware.

"He'll be getting himself ready to start training with Leeds again.

"It's difficult to see anything changing drastically before then so he'll be expecting to report back with everyone else and start the summer as normal.

"None of this is going to affect his commitment to the club. He didn't ever ask to leave Leeds – from our point of view, we felt that the contract he received was offered at too low a level and impossible for him to accept.

"But going back to the club is no problem for him and that'll be the case whether it's the start of pre-season or the start of the season itself.

"There was always a possibility that Jermaine might still be a Leeds player next season because he's still under contract and that would be fine by him if it happens."

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