Aware that the club's impressive finish to the Championship season has increased expectation levels around Bramall Lane, manager Kevin Blackwell insists character and calibre must be afforded equal importance when it comes to identifying future transfer targets.

"We're a big club with big expectations," he told The Star. "It's imperative that anyone we bring in has to be able to handle that.

"If they can't, then perhaps it's best if we look elsewhere.

"We've already got a good squad here - the lads have proved that in recent weeks - so I'm going to go only for players who can make a real difference.

"Otherwise, there's no point ,and I won't do it. I'm not going to bring anyone here just for the sake of it."

Reports have linked United with Norwich reject Darren Huckerby. The 32-year-old who scored at Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday was released by Norwich yesterday.

However, Huckerby has already said he will not move to another Championship club.

Despite failing to qualify for the play-offs, United still enjoyed the competition's best backing, with an average attendance of 25,630.

Having cut season-ticket renewal prices in some sections of the ground, United hope to enjoy similar levels of support next term.

Blackwell has been quick to champion the scheme, citing the importance of creating a partisan atmosphere during home games.

But his main priority since formally agreeing a three-year contract on the eve of United's trip to St Mary's is putting the finishing touches to his list of possible acquisitions.

Blackwell, whose arrival in February coincided with a dramatic climb up the table, appears to have already made discreet enquiries about several would-be purchases, with Luton's Dean Brill and Plymouth Argyle duo Krisztian Timar and Peter Halmosi reportedly among those under consideration.

But he will also trim United's roster to a more manageable 22 or 24.