Birch tries to strike new deals as £1m offer for Kenny is rejected

Former Blades manager Neil Warnock, now in charge at QPR, wants Kenny to replace Czech international Radek Cerny.

The Blades, however, are refusing to sanction talks between the two parties despite a clause in Kenny's contract triggered by the offer.

Kenny, 32, served a nine-month ban last season after failing a drugs test at the end of the previous campaign.

The Blades stood by the former Republic of Ireland international and took up an option to extend his contract for another season.

Kenny, however, is looking for a better deal and, ideally, wants to stay at Bramall Lane.

Chief executive Trevor Birch has already wrapped up a deal to extend captain Chris Morgan's contract and now wants Kenny, Nick Montgomery and Gary Naysmith to accept new deals.

But with financial pressures mounting at Bramall Lane, the Blades cannot afford to be held to ransom and plan to to stick rigidly to their wages budget.

Chairman Kevin McCabe even made a personal plea for Montgomery to stay this week but the highly-rated midfielder is unhappy with the terms on offer and is wanted by his hometown club Leeds United.

Warnock made a move to sign Montgomery, on loan, last season but the bid was turned down by the Blades.

It is understood that he is also considering a move for former Blades defender Rob Kozluk, who is now a free agent after being released by Barnsley.

Blades goalkeeping coach Andy Leaning, meanwhile, has parted company with the club. Ian Bennett, who was released from his playing contract this summer, could be a contender for the role.

Leeds United defender Andrew Hughes has agreed a new one-year deal to stay at Elland Road.

Hughes, 32, is one of just four survivors from the club's first game in League One, three years ago.

Former Barnsley striker Daniel Nardiello has been released by Blackpool following the club's promotion to the Premier League.

Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid has joined West Brom on a permanent basis after signing a two-year contract.

The Republic of Ireland international, who had also been linked with Celtic, spent the final two months of the season on loan with the Baggies.