Tuesday 7 July 2015 15:02, UK
Sheffield United boss Nigel Adkins has spoken to several players as he steps up his bid to strengthen his squad in time for his first season in charge.
Adkins has been linked with possible moves for Leeds striker Billy Sharp and former Scunthorpe winger Martyn Woolford, recently released by Millwall, since replacing Nigel Clough last month.
"There are players who I know, who I've spoken with," Adkins said.
"There are some I've spoken with and actually decided not to offer them something, but they will remain private at this moment in time.
"There's always going to be speculation about players, especially those players I've worked with in the past and with players at the top-end of the pitch and the defensive-end of the pitch."
Players who were out of favour under Clough, such as defender Neill Collins and others who struggled with injury, like striker Michael Higdon and midfielder James Wallace, will be given a fresh start.
Adkins added: "We've got a big squad of players as it is and it's important to have a look at some of those we've already got and give them some game time.
"I'm not going to give you a number, but it's fair to say that we need to improve the goals and we need to keep more clean sheets."