Kilgallon is committed to Sheffield United promotion push as Hull City line-up Monty

Former Leeds United defender Kilgallon is wanted by Newcastle United but has told manager Kevin Blackwell that he will stay until the end of the season.

Montgomery, however, is set for talks with Bolton Wanderers and Hull City after a proposed new deal with the Blades was put on hold.

Blackwell wants both players, who will be out of contract in the summer, to stay but events are being dictated by the current financial pressures at Bramall Lane.

Kilgallon's agent Paul Masterton said: "We have spoken to Kevin Blackwell to say Matthew is fully committed to Sheffield United until the end of the season. We have also informed Newcastle United about the situation.

"Matthew is keen to win promotion with Sheffield United," he added. "If that happens, we will re-assess the options in the summer."

Last week, Blackwell issued a seven-day deadline for Kilgallon to decide on his next move after Newcastle had submitted a 1m offer for the player.

The Blades manager wanted clarity on the situation before deciding whether to invest in a replacement.

Masterton said: "We have done what was asked and made Matthew's intentions clear. Now the club knows that they do not have to get anyone else in and that Matthew is concentrated fully on helping the club win promotion.

"It's not about money," he stressed. "It is about picking the right club for a player who wants to play at the highest level during the best years of his career. He is totally committed to Sheffield United, has a good rapport with the supporters, and does not want any uncertainty over his future affecting his team-mates."

The Blades could lose Kilgallon on a free transfer if his contract expires but may feel that it is a gamble worth taking in a push for promotion.

He joined the club three years ago in a 1.75m deal from Leeds United and has become a key figure at the heart of defence alongside captain Chris Morgan.

Although Dutch defender Marcel Seip arrived on loan from Plymouth Argyle last week, Blackwell has been keeping tabs on other centre-backs including former Doncaster Rovers defender Matthew Mills, who now plays for Reading.

With Kilgallon happy to stay, the Blades manager will be able direct more funds into other areas of the side.

If Montgomery is lured away by Bolton or Hull, there will be a major hole to fill in the centre of the park.

Now 28, the Leeds-born midfielder is the longest-serving player on the books at Bramall Lane with over 300 first-team appearances under his belt.

He had agreed to sign a four-year deal prior to the departure of former chairman Terry Robinson but the matter has still to be resolved several weeks later.

That has alerted both Bolton and Hull who are keen to bolster their squads in the battle for Premier League survival. Cardiff City and Middlesbrough are also in the chase.

The Blades, meanwhile, completed the permanent signing yesterday of Stoke City striker Richard Cresswell after a successful loan spell at Bramall Lane.

Cresswell, who has previously played for York City, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday, arrived at the end of September but suffered a broken rib on his home debut and only returned to full fitness last month.

His goal in last weekend's FA Cup third-round tie with Queens Park Rangers secured a draw and a possible fourth-round tie at Bolton.

Winger David Cotterill is due to complete a permanent 500,000 switch to Swansea City this week after spending the last month on loan at the Liberty Stadium.

Sheffield Wednesday's forthcoming Championship game at Scunthorpe United has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday, January 27 due to the home side's involvement in a televised FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Manchester City three days earlier.

The Owls' league game at Blackpool, postponed on December 28, has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, January 19. Supporters who purchased tickets for the original game are entitled to refunds if required.

KILGALLON FACT FILE

Born: York, January 8, 1984.

Lives: Harrogate.

Height: 6ft 2ins.

Position: Defender.

Career: Joined Leeds as trainee.

Aug 2002-Jan 2007: Leeds United 95 appearances 3 goals.

Aug 2003-Nov 2003: West Ham on loan 4 loan appearances.

Jan 2007-Present: Sheffield United (1.75m fee) 124 appearances 4 goals.

International honours – 2004-2005: England Under-21s 5 caps.