The Journal & Ronnie today break with a tradition, and actually agree on a transfer story concerning The Toon!

They both report we have submitted a bid for on-loan defender Wayne Quinn, prior to him completing his loan period in tomorrow's televised game with Charlton.

The Ronnie say "United have made what is described as 'a substantial offer' - believed to be £800k - for the England B international and the that ball is now Sheffield United's court. Sheffield are believed to want around twice that amount. However, Freddie Shepherd has made it clear that it's a take-it-or-leave it offer, and that United are in no mood to mess around".

"United were disappointed with the Yorkshire outfit when they circularised other clubs about Quinn's availability after he had arrived at SJP on loan with a view to a permanent move".

The Journal reports the key issue is Quinn's dodgy knee - the same one that torpedoed his move here two years ago. They say The Toon cannot get insurance cover for the player because of the condition of his knee, and because of this are not prepared to risk paying more than the £800k on offer.

He's a canny player, and actually I like him, but you have to wonder - given our injury history - why are taking a risk on an uninsurable, as well as unproven player. Surely, there are others?

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2001

Answers

I think NUFC will be able to get some kind of insurance for him and they are basically saying he's OK but that they'll not go over the £800k mark. Seems fair enough to me , after all he's probably going to be a squad player as Robbie Elliot will be coming home soon.

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2001

I agree with you Clarky. A bit iffy. But is as iffy as Riks prediction??

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2001

What others, Clarky? That's been a problem position for awhile. There aren't many left-footed players around. And of whoever's around, how many can we actually afford? We've found one who can do the job and, more importantly, wants to play for us. If he can give us the same service and commitment Gallacher has, he'll be an excellent buy. Plus he's younger, so will be around longer. CAn't imagine the condition of his knee is that bad that he's uninsurable. Sounds like a bit of gamesmanship and showing Sheff Utd that we won't be taken for fools.

Great news if we get him! :-)

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2001

Ciara,

My comments were based entirely on the facts as presented - that the Club cannot get insurance cover for him.
If that's kidogoly under the guise of price negotiations then the true situation may be different - but as we're negotiating with his present employer, such a negotiating "ploy" seems a bit of a reach to me. Remember also that the same player failed a medical because of the condition of his knee two years ago when we were last interested in signing him.

As I have indicated, I like him as a player, but question the wisdom in signing yet another potential candidate for the already over-occupied treamtment tables.

The Club's position seems to be that he is worth a gamble - for that's precisely what it is - at £800k, given the lack of available left-sided talent.
That's fine - but when your lying on the treatment or operating table it doesn't really make much difference whether you're left or right footed!

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2001

True enough, clarky. I just see it as better something than nothing, especially at that price. Hopefully he doesn't spend any more time in the treatment room than the rest of the squad. With our luck with injuries, a paper cut would probably make our players uninsurable.

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2001