Post by QPR Report on Apr 28, 2010 10:09:33 GMT
South Yorkshire Star Sheffield United continue negotiations with midfielder Monty
Football
GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date: 28 April 2010
By James Shield
Sheffield United
NEGOTIATIONS between Sheffield United and Nick Montgomery have reached a critical stage, The Star can reveal.
The midfielder's contract at Bramall Lane is set to expire in June, shortly before Kevin Blackwell's side embark on a pre-season tour of Malta.
But despite discovering the best form of his career - Montgomery has scooped two Player of the Year awards since last weekend's victory over Swansea - he has yet to reach agreement on a new deal.
READ MORE OF TODAY'S BLADES NEWS: Sheffield United hierarchy plots club's future
Confusion over striker Henderson's condition rumbles on
A fresh round of talks will be convened shortly but they are set to take place against a backdrop of mounting interest in the 28-year-old who has cemented his reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in the Championship. Montgomery has steadfastly refused to comment on the progress of those discussions, preferring instead to concentrate on trying to guide United into top six contention.
But he did speak of his "pride" and "satisfaction" at amassing such an impressive collection of silverware.
"I feel very honoured," Montgomery said last night. "Especially when you think people like Morgs (Chris Morgan) and Cressy (Richard Cresswell) have also been in contention."
Montgomery, who also shared United's Players' Player of the Year prize with Cresswell, added: "What makes it even more pleasing is that the recognition has come from lots of different quarters. To share something like that with Cressy from your fellow professionals is tremendous. But the fans have voted for me as well and so have people who watch the matches and write articles for newspapers. That's why I feel very humbled."
Queens Park Rangers are among those clubs known to be courting Montgomery's services. The Londoners attempted to sign Montgomery on loan earlier this year but both he and his agent refused to entertain the possibility of leaving South Yorkshire at such a critical stage of the campaign.
However, with a top six finish now out of reach, his focus is expected to revert back to establishing whether his future lies at United or elsewhere. Leeds and at least one Premier League outfit are also understood to be monitoring Montgomery's situation closely. But reports that Derek Geary has already agreed terms with officials from Elland Road have been rubbished by sources close to the defender. Simon Grayson's side, who are poised to win promotion from League One, are believed to been keen on offering Geary a performance related contract.
Blackwell's team complete their fixture programme with a dead-rubber at Ipswich Town on Sunday. United are ninth in the table.
www.thestar.co.uk/sportheadlines/Sheffield-United-continue-negotiations-with.6257882.jp
Football
GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date: 28 April 2010
By James Shield
Sheffield United
NEGOTIATIONS between Sheffield United and Nick Montgomery have reached a critical stage, The Star can reveal.
The midfielder's contract at Bramall Lane is set to expire in June, shortly before Kevin Blackwell's side embark on a pre-season tour of Malta.
But despite discovering the best form of his career - Montgomery has scooped two Player of the Year awards since last weekend's victory over Swansea - he has yet to reach agreement on a new deal.
READ MORE OF TODAY'S BLADES NEWS: Sheffield United hierarchy plots club's future
Confusion over striker Henderson's condition rumbles on
A fresh round of talks will be convened shortly but they are set to take place against a backdrop of mounting interest in the 28-year-old who has cemented his reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in the Championship. Montgomery has steadfastly refused to comment on the progress of those discussions, preferring instead to concentrate on trying to guide United into top six contention.
But he did speak of his "pride" and "satisfaction" at amassing such an impressive collection of silverware.
"I feel very honoured," Montgomery said last night. "Especially when you think people like Morgs (Chris Morgan) and Cressy (Richard Cresswell) have also been in contention."
Montgomery, who also shared United's Players' Player of the Year prize with Cresswell, added: "What makes it even more pleasing is that the recognition has come from lots of different quarters. To share something like that with Cressy from your fellow professionals is tremendous. But the fans have voted for me as well and so have people who watch the matches and write articles for newspapers. That's why I feel very humbled."
Queens Park Rangers are among those clubs known to be courting Montgomery's services. The Londoners attempted to sign Montgomery on loan earlier this year but both he and his agent refused to entertain the possibility of leaving South Yorkshire at such a critical stage of the campaign.
However, with a top six finish now out of reach, his focus is expected to revert back to establishing whether his future lies at United or elsewhere. Leeds and at least one Premier League outfit are also understood to be monitoring Montgomery's situation closely. But reports that Derek Geary has already agreed terms with officials from Elland Road have been rubbished by sources close to the defender. Simon Grayson's side, who are poised to win promotion from League One, are believed to been keen on offering Geary a performance related contract.
Blackwell's team complete their fixture programme with a dead-rubber at Ipswich Town on Sunday. United are ninth in the table.
www.thestar.co.uk/sportheadlines/Sheffield-United-continue-negotiations-with.6257882.jp
