SHEFFIELD United manager Kevin Blackwell is "optimistic" that Matthew Kilgallon will remain at Bramall Lane next season.
The centre-half's future has been shrouded in doubt since it emerged that a host of Premier League clubs, including Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic, are investigating the possibility of luring him away from South Yorkshire.
He was an integral member of a back four which helped United reach last season's Championship play-off final, and the club are keen for Kilgallon to extend the three-and-a-half year contract he signed in January 2007.
Blackwell said: "I have held preliminary talks with Matt and those negotiations will continue when I return from holiday next week.
"Of course I want him to stay, and I am optimistic that he will."
Although an earlier meeting with Kilgallon and his representative reportedly failed to achieve the desired result, United are determined that one of the division's most formidable defences should remain intact when they travel to Middlesbrough on August 8.
Birmingham, who on Wednesday evening announced they had finally brokered a deal to buy Cardiff City's Roger Johnson, had emerged as Kilgallon's most persistent admirers.
But Johnson's arrival at St Andrews could mark the end of their interest.
Wolves are also monitoring the situation closely.
With Leeds able to claim 20 per cent of any future transfer, Black-well's board of directors are likely to demand a substantial return on their initial investment if agreement for him to stay can not be struck.
United fans can join the team in Malta next month after the club unveiled details of travel packages to coincidce with their pre-season visit to the island. Prices start from £469 per person for a seven-night stay.
What do you think? Add your comment below. FREE E-MAG:
Click here to read our Twenty20 Cup 2009 e-mag for FREE on line. BUY ONLINE:
Buy The Star - Monday to Saturday - for local news, sport, features and ads. Sign up on line by clicking here. READ MOREMain news indexYour lettersFeaturesSouth Yorkshire's environmental newsKids ZoneMore business newsMore Rotherham newsMore Doncaster newsMore Barnsley newsLatest sport
