June 2004

Defender Ashley Sestanovich has joined Grimsby Town on a season-long loan. The 22-year-old, who signed just over a year ago, enjoyed a successful loan spell at Scarborough last season under manager Russell Slade. Now with Slade at Blundell Park, Sestanovich has the chance to get more first-team experience under his belt, and United's vice-chairman Terry Robinson says it is a good move for him. "We felt his chances might be limited at the Lane this season, He had experience of working with Russell at Scarborough and it will benefit us, him and Grimsby. Then, after watching him during the season, we can make a decision on his future with us."

Chesterfield have signed Wayne Allison after he was released by United. The Chief forged a memorable partnership with Paul Peschisolido over the last few seasons at the Lane. Commenting about the move the Chief said: "I am really looking forward to the start of the new season as I have an important role to play, which should help bring the best out of the younger players at Chesterfield".

The Blades have signed Phil Barnes from Blackpool. The goalkeeper was set to sign a new contract with the Seasiders this morning but after a few phone calls has signed for United instead. Sheffield born Barnes was a Blades fan as a boy and had said the only club he would have signed for instead of Blackpool was United. He has signed a 1 year contact with the Blades.

Neil Warnock has completed an astonishing transfer swoop by signing four players. The Blades boss earlier acclaimed Barry Hayles as "the jewel in my crown'' after the 32-year-old agreed to join United on a free transfer from Fulham, putting pen to paper on a three-year contract. Hayles will move to the Lane on 1st July, and will now be joined by centre-back Leigh Bromby and midfielder Alan Quinn from Wednesday, along with winger Andy Liddell from Wigan. Hayles is the key acquisition, agreeing to sign for United despite interest from Leeds, and newly-promoted West Brom and Norwich, as Warnock said: "He's a striker of proven quality and one I know will be able to bring something to our side. He has demonstrated he can score goals and will give us the edge up front we need, so to say I am delighted is an understatement." Warnock also mounted a double swoop on Hillsborough, the first was irish international midfielder Quinn followed by defender Bromby. The Blades boss said: "I think Alan and Leigh have been treading water for the last 12 to 18 months. The change of club will do both of them good and give them the gee-up they need to change. I don't feel they will have a problem moving across the city because Sheffield Wednesday have released them. I will be looking to Alan to take the pressure off Michael Tonge and in some ways to replace Michael Brown. I think Leigh is still of an age to make an impact. United's final signing was striker Liddell; Warnock commented "As for Andy, he has quality on the ball at set-plays and crosses which will make him a very influential member of the squad. His non-stop enthusiasm and drive will, I am sure, make him very popular."

The Blades today made their first summer signing. Defender John Harley agreeing a three-year deal with United. The 25-year-old left-back, who has spent time on loan at the Lane during each of the past two seasons, is now happy to commit his future permanently to the club and will join up with the Blades on 1st July. Warnock speaking about his capture said: "Jon performs best when he is happy in his environment, and I think it's true to say he hasn't been over the last few years. That's what he needs right now and I am expecting him to compliment our left side. He has taken a big drop in wages to come here but I can't see anything but good times ahead for him."

The Blades are close to making their first signings of the summer. United have spent last week locked in talks with a number of would-be signings, are hopeful of announcing the details over the next week. Negotiations are at an advanced stage, with a striker and midfielder the main priorities of boss Neil Warnock. "We should have something to say very shortly, I've deliberately kept quiet about who these people are because I don't want anything to happen that might alert other clubs. There's a lot of hard work been going in since the end of last season." Warnock confirmed.

Neil Warnock has revealed injured Ashley Ward and Jack Lester could be fit for pre-season training in early July. Blades strikers Ward and Lester both fell victim to knee injuries at a crucial stage last season and were undoubtedly among several reasons United failed to make the end of season play-offs. Warnock commented "They're both working hard and we've been told they're coming on well, that’s good news not only for them but for us as well. We had lots of injuries, too many of them, and it will be a boost to get these lads back fit. They're important players."

Chesterfield have confirmed they are in talks to sign Blades striker Wayne Allison. The Spireites are keen to bolster their attacking options and they have now revealed they are in discussions with 'the chief'.

Neil Warnock expects to land the players he has secretly targeted in the summer transfer market. United have yet to sign any new faces, but Warnock wants to bring in two or three before the start of next season. The Blades boss said “I've kept a few names to myself, According to speculation there are a number of players I'm trying to sign. But the ones that I really want, I'm confident of getting." Indeed, the Blades boss is closing in on signing a mystery striker to boost United’s frontline. And, if United manage to complete the signing, Warnock says the identity of the player might "surprise" players and supporters alike. Talks are ongoing with the ‘mystery striker’ and several other potential acquisitions as Warnock attempts to make his first pre-season signing.

United face competition in their bid to bring Brian Deane back to Bramall Lane. The 36-year-old striker, released by West Ham has expressed a keen desire to end his playing career with a third stint with the Blades. But newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City have now reportedly entered the race for Deane, who has been told by Blades boss Neil Warnock he would be welcomed back so long as he was prepared to take a pay cut.

United confirmed today that they are not going to sign Derby striker Izale McLeod following his loan period at Bramall Lane. McLeod joined the Blades as part of the deal which took Paul Peschisolido to Derby in March and it included a clause which stated United could sign him for an agreed fee at the end of the season. That was understood to comprise of a £100,000 downpayment with various add-ons throughout the term of the deal. The Blades have decided not to pursue their interest after deciding that did not represent value for money.

Tranmere Rovers have completed the signing of Blades midfielder Mark Rankine on a one-year deal.The 34-year-old was released by United having played 13 times last season.