BLACKWELL PLAYS DOWN BROWN LINK

Brown - linked with Blades return.

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell has played down links with Wigan midfielder Michael Brown.

Rumours had been circulating that the Blades boss was keen to take the midfielder back to Bramall Lane, four years after his first stint at the club.

The 31-year-old enjoyed the most productive period of his career during his time in Yorkshire, establishing himself as a fans' favourite.

However, a 22-goal haul in 2002/03 brought him to the attention of numerous Premier League clubs and he eventually left for Tottenham in January 2004.

He moved on to Fulham two years later, before signing with the Latics last summer.

The recent arrival of Lee Cattermole at JJB Stadium had led to the rumours that Brown may be willing to move on once again during the close season, but Sheffield United have ruled themselves out of the running.

"We haven't had a dabble with Michael," Blackwell told the Wigan Evening Post. "He's a Premier League player on big, big wages."

Another Latics player who has been strongly linked with a move to the Blades this summer is David Cotterill.

The winger spent the second half of last season on loan at the Championship club and is known to be a summer transfer target for Blackwell.

However, the United boss revealed that negotiations with Wigan have not progressed as he would have liked.

"We are struggling to get the deal going," he said.