Blades boss Wilson puts block on Bramall Lane exits

SHEFFIELD United manager Danny Wilson has closed the door on departures from Bramall Lane and put all contract talks on hold until the summer.

Wilson is determined to maintain stability at the club as the Blades continue their push for an automatic return to the Championship.

Striker Ched Evans, midfielder Lee Williamson and winger Stephen Quinn are among those out of contract this summer who have been linked with moves up the league.

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The transfer window is now closed for permanent deals yet Wilson has stressed that no-one will be leaving on emergency loans regardless of any financial pressures at the club.

“There will be nobody going out on loan,” he said. “It’s a pointless objective from our point of view. If we are going to get the wage bill down, it has to be permanent deals. Loans don’t do anything. It is a complete waste of time.”

Wilson also confirmed that there will be no talk of new contracts until the club knows what league it will be playing in next season.

“It’s pointless talking now so we will not be talking about anybody’s future,” he said. “We are totally supportive of each other and we will get to the end of the season and see what happens there.”

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The Blades manager has not ruled out the possibility, however, of adding to his squad in the next few weeks.

Former Scottish international defender David Weir is still training with the club in the hope of securing a short-term deal and has been joined by former Blackpool and Aberdeen goalkeeper Mark Howard.

“We are putting players in position just in case anything happens,” he explained. “I am hoping nothing happens to anyone but, if it does, we have to be secure. We are finding available players and we are ready to push the button if needed.”

Howard, 25, started his career at Arsenal and spent three years with St Mirren before joining Aberdeen two summers ago. He was released by Blackpool last month after making four appearances in a short-term deal.

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West Ham United striker Frederic Piquionne has rejected the opportunity to join Doncaster Rovers.

The one-time French international is surplus to requirements at Upton Park and held talks with Rovers manager Dean Saunders in midweek.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen now,” admitted Saunders yesterday. “We had an agreement with West Ham but Freddie has other options.”

Rovers are hoping to secure the services of defender Habib Baye, however, on a new 18-month deal.

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The Senegalese international has recently completed a loan stay at the Keepmoat Stadium and been released by his parent club Aston Villa.

“If it goes through, it will be great news,” said Saunders. “He has probably got enough money – so we are going to get a world class player for relatively small wages.”