Sponsored by
Blades in chase for Saints star as Speed linked to Swans
SHEFFIELD United have lodged a £1m bid for Southampton's highly-rated winger Andrew Surnam.
The former England Under-21 international has been put up for sale by the Saints who are in adminstration and preparing for life in League One.
Surnam would fill a hole in the Blades' side caused by the departure of Greg Halford. His ability to provide cover at left-back would also be an asset in the absence of injured Scottish international Gary Naysmith.
Blades manager Kevin Blackwell revealed last week that he expects eight or nine new players to arrive at Bramall Lane.
Cardiff City and Reading have also been linked with Surnam, 22, who progressed through the youth ranks at St Marys and has spent time on loan at Walsall and Bournemouth.
Blades player-coach Gary Speed, meanwhile, is emerging as a contender for the manager's job at Swansea City.
The Welsh club will soon need a replacement for Roberto Martinez, who is set to replace Steve Bruce at Wigan Athletic.
Speed, 39, has yet to sign a new playing deal with the Blades but has an option for a further season as coach.
Blades assistant-manager Sam Ellis, 62, may also be leaving to join the backroom staff at Premier League club Stoke City.
Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley have joined the chase for Leeds United's Jermaine Beckford.
The striker, who has been transfer-listed after rejecting a new contract at Elland Road, is also interesting Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and Coventry City.
It is understood that Sheffield United, despite reports to the contrary, have still to make a firm enquiry.
Both Rovers and Barnsley have been informed that Leeds want around 2m for the 25-year-old striker who bagged 34 goals last season.
Rovers assistant-manager Richard O'Kelly says that could be beyond his club's budget but they will monitor the situation.
Despite finishing in mid-table, Rovers managed just 42 league goals last season, the worst record in the Championship.
The club have cleared the way for a new arrival by releasing four strikers – Darren Byfield, Jason Price, Gareth Taylor and Tomi Ameobi.
Barnsley manager Simon Davey is equally desperate for a new striker after watching his side score just 45 goals last season.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Three-inch blanket of snow heading our way today
- Alan Shearer in list of favourites for Leeds and England jobs: Latest odds
- Barnsley’s Keith Hill invokes Fawlty Towers over link with Leeds job
- McCormack feels United search can be narrowed down
- Redfearn throws down gauntlet as queue builds at Elland Road
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
