Blades duo staying but Montgomery's future in doubt

The Blades visit Bolton Wanderers tomorrow in the fourth round of the FA Cup and will get a taste of what is on offer if they win promotion to the Premier League.

But Blackwell, who last night to lost Matthew Kilgallon to Sunderland, is still sweating over the future of midfielder Nick Montgomery.

Further talks with Montgomery's representatives are planned today but, if terms are not agreed, the 28-year-old could be sold.

"I am trying to run a football club but I don't know what is coming in and what is going out," said Blackwell. "I can't stop clubs making bids."

There was better news for Blackwell, however, when it was announced that captain Chris Morgan and midfielder Stephen Quinn are staying at Bramall Lane for at least another season.

The pair were approaching the end of their existing contracts but the Blades have exercised one-year options to secure their services until summer 2011. Defender Morgan, 31, joined the Blades seven years ago from his hometown club Barnsley, while Quinn, 23, arrived as a teenager from Irish club St Patrick's Athletic.

"This is really good news," said Blackwell. "The pair have become stalwarts at Bramall Lane and will continue to play major roles in the development of the team. Hopefully, I can sit down with both at a later date and have a long chat about where we go long term," said Blackwell.

"I am delighted that Chris is staying because he is one of the most consistent centre-backs in the business. Stephen is a talented midfielder who has been starting to come into form."

Although the arrival of Middlesbrough winger Mark Yeates this week has increased competition for places, Quinn says he is delighted to be staying with the Blades.

"It has come at a good time because I am starting to play well," he said.

"I am really happy because I needed to know where I stand. It is far better to be in the rat race than not."

Yeates is ineligible for tomorrow's FA Cup tie after playing for Middlesbrough in the third round.

Former Newcastle United winger Nolberto Solano, meanwhile, has failed in a bid to secure a short-term deal with the Blades.

The veteran Peruvian international, 35, played for the Blades this week in a private friendly game. However, he has not been offered a contract.

After leaving West Ham United two seasons ago, Solano has been playing in Greece and Peru but now wants to return to English football.

He has been offered a trial by Colchester United.