Brian Howard has agreed to join Sheffield United from Barnsley on loan with a view to a permanent move.
Barnsley midfielder heading to Bramall Lane
Brian Howard has agreed to join Sheffield United from Barnsley on loan with a view to a permanent move.
The midfielder has rejected the offer of a new contract at Oakwell with the Tykes deciding it would be best for all parties if he moves on immediately.
Howard, who skippered Barnsley to victories against Liverpool and Chelsea as they reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season, will sign on a three-month loan with the transfer window currently closed.
His proposed switch to Bramall Lane, which is subject to a medical, will then become permanent in January.
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell confirmed that an agreement had been reached with their Championship rivals and Howard.
Deal
Blackwell told the club's
official website: "We have agreed a deal with Barnsley and the player and he will shortly be having his medical.
"If that goes satisfactorily, he will sign a three-month loan deal with an agreed deal at the end of that period.
"Brian brings goals. Every team needs extra fire-power and you certainly need that in this division. If the source of goals dries up in one area, you need it from another.
"There has been a lot of responsibility on Gary Speed at both ends of the pitch but Brian has a goal in him, he will help us in that department."
Duo on trial
Blackwell could make further additions to his squad with former Manchester City striker Kiki Musampa and ex-Manchester United utility player Quinton Fortune on trial in South Yorkshire.
Assistant manager Sam Ellis said: "They took part in a practice match this morning and will train with the development squad on Tuesday.
"Later in the week they will join up with the first team for training and then we will make an assessment."
