SHEFFIELD United will re-double their efforts to sign Wigan Athletic winger David Cotterill after unveiling Darius Henderson as their third major capture of the summer.
Henderson, who agreed a £2m move from Watford earlier this week, is an integral part of the Championship club's promotion jigsaw as they prepare to mount a serious bid for the Premier League.
But despite suffering nearly three months of frustration, Kevin Blackwell remains determined to slide one of the final pieces - Cotterill - into place before August 9's televised fixture at Birmingham City.
In stark contrast to his previous dealings in the transfer market the United manager, usually loathe to reveal the names on his wanted-list, has made no secret of his desire to prise Cotterill away from the JJB Stadium and his hand has been strengthened by the Wales international's desire to return to the ground where he enjoyed an impressive spell on loan last term.
But with Wigan determined to recoup the majority of the £2m fee the 20-year-old commanded when he left Bristol City in August 2006, negotiations between all three parties have proved difficult.
United are believed to have offered around half of Wigan's initial valuation but with the resolve of Steve Bruce, Blackwell's opposite number, showing no indication of weakening, a war of attrition has developed.
The Star understands that United, who developed a cordial relationship with Bruce's board of directors during the Carlos Tevez Affair, have discussed several ways of breaking the impasse; including another loan deal.
Lee Cattermole's imminent arrival at Wigan, which appears to have increased the likelihood of former United midfielder Michael Brown being leaving Lancashire, could also represent a window of opportunity for Blackwell.
What will David Cotterill bring to the Blades side? Post your comments below. READ MORESheffield FC 0 v Sheffield United 4: CLICK HERE FOR EXCLUSIVE VIDEO MATCH HIGHLIGHTSBLADES LATEST: Shelton leaves club Football headlinesMore BladesMore OwlsMore SpireitesMore RoversMore RedsMore MillersMore Ice HockeyMore rugby leagueMore rugby unionMore boxingSports columnistsAll sport categoriesThe full article contains 352 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
