Defender hopes fade

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell remains confident he can keep Matthew Kilgallon, despite interest in him from the Clarets.

The former Leeds United defender has been heavily linked with Birmingham City, Burnley and Wigan in recent weeks and it looked at one point that the 25-year-old was heading for the exit door at Bramall Lane.

Blackwell though remains hopeful of keeping him as he told the Sheffield Star: "I have held preliminary talks with Matt and those negotiations will continue when I return from holiday next week.

"Of course I want him to stay, and I am optimistic that he will."