Blackwell plots ins and outs

Blades boss eyes Cotterill and Martin, but will trim squad

Last updated: 3rd July 2008

Football FA Cup Middlesbrough Sheffield United Kevin Blackwell

Blackwell: Eyeing duo

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Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell is hopeful of securing Wigan Athletic's Dave Cotterill and Manchester United's Lee Martin on permanent deals.

Blackwell is keen to further bolster his squad after completing the signings of Sun Jihai and Greg Halford this week.

And Blackwell has now turned his attention to bringing wingers Cotterill and Martin back to Bramall Lane.

He said: "I hope to tie up a deal for a wideman soon. Cotterill is desperate to come back and Martin has made it clear that he feels the same.

"Martin only played a bit under me last season, but both enjoyed the football and the atmosphere around the place.

"There's a possibility that we could get both, there's a need to change games and strength in-depth is massive for this division. We've got options."

Transfer budget

Blackwell went on to admit that he will be looking to trim his squad of a number of fringe players.

He added: "I've had a chat with the chairman and we've not got to get rid of anyone.

"Nothing has come out of the transfer budget with the two signings we've made so far, but clearly I'd like to look to reducing the squad a little because it is quite big.

"The good thing is that people will go when we want them to go."