Whilst United players and targets continue to be the subject of transfer rumours and so called informed reports, none of them has been given any credence whatsoever from Bramall Lane.

The latest clutch of 'links' include United telling Sunderland that the Wearsiders must offer £8million to lure away James Beattie, Stephen Quinn heading to a couple of Premiership clubs, and Plymouth's Peter Halmosi being a definite target.

"It's news to me," parried Blades boss Kevin Blackwell to each and every suggestion before producing the same response to an intriguing 'transfer story' with a more local twist.

News of Barnsley's capture of Leicester striker Iain Hume for £1.2m on Wednesday included reports that the Tykes had fought off competition from United!