Sheffield United open Thirlwell negotiations

Blades' manager Neil Warnock has confirmed that he's in talks with Sunderland's Paul Thirlwell about a transfer to the South Yorkshire club.

Thirlwell has been with Sheffield over the summer and took part in some of their pre-season friendlies in Cornwall last week, and also 82 minutes in the side's friendly victory over Spurs.

Like Jason McAteer who recently signed for Tranmere Rovers, Thirlwell was informed that his contract would not be renewed at the end of last season, but Blades gaffer Neil Warnock hopes to tie up a deal soon.

"We're going to talk to Paul, he's fitted in well.

"Being from the north east, nobody can understand a word he says but he nods quite a bit - and I hope he'll be nodding after our chat!"