Exclusive: Hill set to gamble and re-unite with Etuhu at Barnsley

Etuhu was jailed for eight months in March over his part in a street brawl outside a Manchester casino.

He was released by City ahead of the verdict and has served less than four months of his jail term.

Barnsley manager Keith Hill worked previously with Etuhu four years ago when the Nigerian-born striker gained his first taste of senior football on loan at Rochdale.

Hill has been given the go-ahead to take another gamble on the 23-year-old whose last competitive appearance came two years ago for Cardiff City.

Defender Rob Edwards is also set to sign for the Tykes in the next 48 hours after being released by Blackpool. The Welsh international centre-back, 28, will fill the gap created by the £1m departure of captain Jason Shackell to Derby.

He played a key role in Blackpool’s promotion from the Championship two seasons ago but made only two appearances in the Premier League and finished last season on loan at Norwich City.

The Tykes have already signed six new players this summer – midfielders Miles Addison, Matthew Done, and David Perkins, defenders Scott Wiseman and Jimmy McNulty, and striker Craig Davies.

Darius Henderson quit Sheffield United for Millwall last night and described his final season at Bramall Lane as the ‘worst’ of his career.

Henderson, who has moved for an undisclosed fee, was singled out for criticism by Blades supporters during the club’s ill-fated battle against relegation.

He made just seven appearances due to a hip injury and was sent off on his return against former club Watford.

Although he still had another season remaining on his contract with the Blades, Henderson’s departure will save the club around £1m in wages.

Speaking after signing a two-year deal with his new club, he said: “Last season, it’s well-documented, was probably my worst. I will be doing all I can to make this one my best.

“If I play well, score some goals, hopefully the fans will appreciate that. If I do that, it will hopefully improve the team and we can fight for promotion.”

Blades manager Danny Wilson felt that Millwall had got a ‘great deal’ but confirmed Henderson was keen to stay in the Championship.

“Following relegation we are aware that some players will want to move and Darius, who is in his late 20s, feels at this moment in time that it is very important to be playing in the Championship,” said Wilson.

“Obviously we think Millwall have got a great deal. Darius is a very good target man and we wish him all the best at his new club.”

Henderson signed a contract worth nearly £20,000 a week when he joined the Blades from Watford three years ago but made just 68 starts and scored 21 goals.