Sheffield United bid to bring back Kyle Naughton
Sheffield United are exploring a bid to bring Kyle Naughton back to Bramall Lane on loan from Tottenham, writes Alan Biggs.
Manager Kevin Blackwell is set to ask Spurs boss Harry Redknapp whether a deal can be arranged to the end of the season.
Tottenham have already paid around 8m of a 12m total package to sign both Naughton and Kyle Walker, who was released for a season-long loan with United as a sequel to last summer's big transfer.
Spurs' commitment makes it a long shot that both players will be allowed to team up together again in Sheffield. But a preliminary enquiry about reuniting the pair may already have been made, the Telegraph understands. At one point, a deal seemed likely before Tottenham are said to have had reservations about disrupting Naughton's acclimatisation to life in London.
On the other hand, the 21 year old may have to go on loan somewhere for the sake of his development. He has made just one appearance as substitute in the Premier League and his need for games has alerted the Blades.
Blackwell would clearly love to have his Special Ks back in harness for the second half of the season. Together, they were instrumental in the late surge that almost won automatic promotion last season.
Naughton and Walker, outstanding again this season and due back from an injury lay-off, gave the Blades an extra attacking dimension with their pace and athleticism.
It is easy to see the current attraction for Blackwell, who would gladly go back to the future at a time when he is guarding against the break-up of a team which has rekindled a push for the play-offs.
He said: "We look a decent side again and if we can stay settled we're in with a chance."
The Blades boss views the January window with trepidation in the hope that he can fend off bids for his best players and add some depth to his squad.
He added: "For a manager who knows he can't afford to lose anybody, the window is a nightmare. If you have money to buy then it's a godsend.
"But I'm in the former category, as was the case last year with James Beattie. You don't look forward to the window; you dread it.
"You know that other clubs are looking at some of our players, so it's a whole month of uncertainty. And if you lose someone at the last minute then you have no time to replace them."
Blackwell fears Matt Kilgallon could prove a last minute departure with Newcastle evidently in no hurry to complete a deal, even at a bargain 600,000, and seemingly sidetracked by their pursuit of Leeds' FA Cup hero Jermaine Beckford.
"I hope it doesn't go on throughout January but I fear it will do," said Blackwell, whose club have to weigh up the risk of losing Kilgallon for nothing if he stays on.
Meanwhile, United, who visit Watford on Saturday, are refusing to be stampeded by comments from Jamie Ward's agent suggesting the former Chesterfield striker, who has been linked with West Bromwich, deserves a new deal. Although Blackwell rates Ward highly and welcomes his continuing impact, United will reward him at a time to suit them.
"Jamie hasn't been here a year yet," said the manager whose talks with long-serving Nick Montgomery are higher on the agenda amid interest in him.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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