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Blackwell in defender search
Sheffield United, 13:44, January 27, 2010 ,
Sheffield United have entered the battle for West Brom's out-of-favour defender Leon Barnett following Matt Kilgallon's departure.
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell has a defensive crisis on his hands following Kilgallon's departure. The defender had stated he would remain at Bramall Lane until the end of the current campaign but opted to join Sunderland last week.
To compound Blackwell's woes Andrew Taylor has been ruled out for five weeks with a groin problem, while Marcel Seip and Jonathan Fortune both faces spells on the sidelines.
Blackwell admits he is keen to add a defender to his side, with Barnett thought to be his top target.
He said: "I have got to try and get another centre-half in and if I can I will. But it's proving difficult at the moment."
However, Blackwell may face a battle to secure his target as Barnett, 24, has spent time on loan at Coventry this season and the Sky Blues are keen to tie the defender down to a permanent deal.