Blackpool duo could feature in fiery first game

Manager Danny Wilson moved for the pair after Blackpool manager Ian Holloway confirmed that both were surplus to requirements at Bloomfield Road.

The Blades have been short of attacking options since selling Maltese international Daniel Bogdanovic to Blackpool and teenager Jordan Slew to Blackburn Rovers two months ago.

Clarke, 23, was unable to play for Blackpool in the Premier League last season due to a knee injury but has made eight appearances since the club’s relegation to the Championship.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international was released by Ipswich Town two years ago and has played on loan for a variety of clubs including Darlington, Falkirk and Brentford.

Winger Phillips, meanwhile, is wanted as a replacement for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing whose loan deal from Wolves has been interrupted by a hamstring injury.

The duo have been given permission to speak with the Blades and could be thrown straight into the heat of the derby if they agree moves in the next 48 hours.

“We are trying and it would be great if we could get two additions. It would give us a lift going into the game,” said Wilson yesterday. “But can we get anyone before the weekend or not? We hope so.

“Quite a few names have come up because Blackpool have a very big squad,” he added. “ There are some quality players to consider there.

“Will we put them straight in if they come in? We don’t know. It’s a big call but they would go in with no fear, nice and calm.

“And if you don’t come ready for the pace of it, you will soon get some fire up your backside with that first tackle. You will know you are in a derby after the first two minutes of the game.”

Wilson is also keeping tabs on Crewe Alexandra striker Shaun Miller, 24, who scored 19 goals for the League Two club last season and has bagged six in 14 appearances so far this season

“Every goalscorer at any level attracts attention,” said Wilson, “We are aware of him but nothing has been done and we have not followed anything up with Crewe.”

Former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland last night completed his loan move to Doncaster Rovers from Wigan Athletic.

Kirkland has signed on a three-month deal as a replacement for veteran Neil Sullivan.

Rovers have thanked Wigan as they will part fund his wages.

Kirkland could make his debut in tomorrow night’s Yorkshire derby against Leeds United.

Teenage defender Zac Thompson, who made his Leeds debut against Doncaster this season in the Carling Cup, has signed his first professional contract.

Thompson, 18, joined the club’s scholarship scheme from Everton nine months ago.

Manager Simon Grayson said: “Zac is one of a number of young players who has emerged quietly during recent months He had a good pre-season, he got himself involved on merit and not only did he play a part, he impressed in what he did. Unfortunately, we lost him with an ankle injury at a time when he was in and around things, but hopefully he shouldn’t be too far away from stepping things up again.”