Sheffield United: Blades refuse to call time

The Star understands that officials at Bramall Lane remain hopeful that Dan Burn, a long-standing target of manager Nigel Adkins, will eventually move north despite failing to secure his release from Fulham before Monday’s transfer deadline.

United’s inability to capture any of the names on Adkins’ wanted-list has been met with fierce criticism by supporters. Although sources close to the League One club acknowledge it represented a disappointing end to a month which also saw Adkins continue the process of trimming his squad, they revealed last night that several of the players identified by the 50-year-old and his staff as potential acquisitions appear open to the prospect of striking temporary deals should their employers allow.

United’s pursuit of Burn, who has also represented Darlington, Yeovil Town and Birmingham City, is one of the longest-running sagas of Adkins’ eight month reign.

However, after refusing to admit defeat in his battle for Dean Hammond before eventually unveiling the Leicester City midfielder on loan, Adkins is thought to have told United’s board of directors that he plans to continue pursuing Burn following this weekend’s game against fellow promotion contenders Wigan Athletic.