Source: Northern_Echo
Blades confirm Hughton target is set to leave
CHRIS HUGHTON has given the strongest indication yet that he will move for Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon when the transfer window re-opens in a fortnight.[LNB] Blades boss Kevin Blackwell has confirmed the 25-year-old will be leaving Bramall Lane after the centre-half, who is out of contract at the end of the season, rejected the offer of an extension.[LNB] Blackwell admits the club cannot offer Kilgallon the lucrative deal he wants and they will now look to cash in during January.[LNB] Hughton has been linked with a move for the former Leeds United youth team product and confirmed that he was monitoring Kilgallon's availability ahead of a potential bid.[LNB] However, Blackwell has also revealed that Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the situation with Bolton, Burnley, Hull City and Wigan all said to be interested in the player, who earned five caps at England Under-21 level.[LNB] It is a fait accompli that Killa' will be going, said Blackwell. With the interest that has been shown, it will be difficult to keep him. There is significant interest from a few Premier League clubs now as well as one or two in the Championship.[LNB] On Kilgallon's Sheffield United departure being confirmed, Hughton said: It's something we knew about and he'd be one of a few players who would be of interest to us. His circumstances are being dealt with by Sheffield United and he's contracted to them but I'm aware of his situation.[LNB] The Magpies boss denied that he was willing to offload Andy Carroll, despite the Gateshead-born striker attracting interest from Stoke City.[LNB] Hughton categorically refuses to consider selling Carroll at any price, despite sources in the Potteries confirming that Tony Pulis is ready to bid for the 20- year-old as a replacement for James Beattie, who is poised to leave the club.[LNB] The Magpies have slapped a £6m valuation on Carroll, after Pulis earmarked the Newcastle target man as the type of striker who can fit into Stoke's direct tactical approach.[LNB] Asked if he was prepared to sell Carroll for the right price Hughton would only say No', but he did admit to fears that Newcastle's dominance of this season's Championship could mean he will be fending off interest in his star players next month.[LNB] That is always a worry,'' he admitted. At this moment in time there hasn't been any bid, and we'd certainly be grateful if that's the same come the end of the window.[LNB] If it does then it's testament to what these lads have done so far and I don't envisage anyone leaving at all.[LNB] Ahead of tomorrow's derby encounter, Hughton revealed his admiration for Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan, but he has painful memories of their clashes during the pair's playing days.[LNB] I never kicked him when we were playing, but he might have kicked me,'' he quipped. He was always a difficult player to play against and a top-class player, there's no doubt about that. It's no surprise someone with such passion and enthusiasm for the game should show that in a management capacity.[LNB] I very much expect Middlesbrough to be up there at the end of the season. When I look at the quality they have in their side I am surprised where they are.[LNB]
