Blades tie up Brazil link

SHEFFIELD United, who today announced that plc chairman Kevin McCabe has made a £10 million loan to finance their promotion campaign, have beaten off competition from some of football's biggest names, including Manchester United and Arsenal, to strike a pioneering venture with Brazilian giants Sao Paulo which could see some of the world's most gifted young footballers join Bryan Robson's side.

Sao Paulo's director of international relations visited South Yorkshire last weekend to observe operations at United's academy first hand and is poised to formally cement the partnership next week.

The document, which United director Simon McCabe described as a "partnership of co-operation" paves the way for some of South America's finest footballing talent to hone their skills at Bramall Lane.

The two clubs are also expected to pool some of their resources regarding player development with coaches from both clubs travelling across the Atlantic to exchange ideas.

With United expected to confirms details of their bid for Ferencvros of Hungary shortly, the pact with Sao Paulo marks the latest phase of Kevin McCabe's mission to establish Shirecliffe as one of the most important hubs for youth development in the world.

Kaka, Cafu, Leonardo and Falco have all represented the Tricolor Paulista.

"Sao Paulo have been contacted by some of the biggest names about setting up something like this," Simon McCabe said. "They have chosen us because they want to become involved with a family club who they know they can have a close working relationship with."

United chief executive Jason Rockett said the 10m loan, made by one of McCabe's companies, would help ease the pain of relegation. "This investment is part of our long term business strategy which includes reducing bank debt," he said.