Sheffield United

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Ahmed Fathi is to leave Sheffield United and join Egyptian club Al Ahly. The midfielder was only brought to Bramall Lane by Neil Warnock in the January transfer window. But he has slipped down the pecking order under Bryan Robson this season and The Blades have struck a deal with Al Ahly worth £675,000.

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Rotherham have brought in Jamie Annerson to cover for injured goalkeeper Steven Cann. Annerson has not made a first-team appearance for Sheffield United this term and Millers boss Mark Robins has moved quickly to sign him on loan.

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Sheffield United v Wolves preview

Lee Hendrie and Gary Naysmith have returned to full training for The Blades following knee and ankle problems respectively, and both could feature against Wolves.

Derek Geary starts a three-match ban, however, and defensive midfielder Nick Montgomery is sidelined after undergoing a double hernia operation earlier in the week.

Republic of Ireland duo Andy Keogh and Kevin Foley, as well as Welshmen Freddy Eastwood and Wayne Hennessey, are available for Wolves after returning from international duty unscathed.

However, Matt Jarvis is still struggling with a thigh injury and Rob Edwards and Matt Murray (both knee) are also sidelined.

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Sheffield U 3-1 Wolverhampton

SU: James Beattie (57, 83), Jonathan Stead (90) W: Stephen Elliott (24)

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Robson ponders Ze Maria deal

Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson has hinted trialist Ze Maria could be offered a contract.

The Brazilian full-back spent last week training with The Blades after leaving Levante at the end of last season.

Ze Maria appears to have impressed Robson, who will decide whether to go ahead and offer the 34-year-old a deal in the coming days.

"I'm going to make a decision early next week," Robson said.

"I'll be speaking to him and the people involved with him, and if we can come to some agreement, there's every chance I will take him on board."

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Sheffield United striker James Beattie says Bryan Robson inspired the team to come from behind to win against Wolves on Saturday. The Blades were a goal down at half-time, but scored three in the second period to beat Wolves 3-1 at Bramall Lane. And despite netting his third and fourth goals of the season, Beattie says it was the boss who motivated them to the victory.

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Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill has joined Sheffield United on a three-month loan. Cahill has struggled to secure a place in Villa manager Martin O'Neill's first team this season and has made only two appearances.

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Rotherham have signed Ryan Cresswell from Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield United. The young defender has signed a three-month loan deal at Millmoor. Cresswell impressed Millers boss Mark Robins during a recent reserve team clash between Rotherham and Sheffield United.

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Sheffield United are hoping to give former Brazilian international Ze Maria his debut against Morecambe on Tuesday. The 34-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at Bramall Lane and manager Bryan Robson is now hoping he can field Ze Maria in the Carling Cup.

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Sheffield United v Morecambe preview [Carling Cup]

Bryan Robson is hoping to hand Brazilian veteran Ze Maria his debut against Morecambe, providing the paperwork is completed on time.

Lee Hendrie returns to the squad after injury, with Robson planning on changes after the weekend defeat to Crystal Palace.

Morecambe have already won away at Preston and Wolves, and will look to make it a hat-trick of Championship scalps.

Danny Adams faces a fitness test, so Mike Howard stands by as his replacement, while Wayne Curtis is out with a chest injury.

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Sheffield United 5-0 Morecambe

S: Sharp (18,33), Shelton (52,72), Hendrie (67)

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Bryan Robson has confirmed Brazilian free agent Ze Maria will not be joining Sheffield United, 24 hours after saying the player had signed a deal at the club. On Monday the Blades revealed that a deal had been struck with the midfielder, however Robson has now admitted that the agreement has fallen through. The Blades boss confirmed the news and admitted he will now train his sights elsewhere in his search for fresh players.

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Shame Ze Maria did't join but at least United got Cahill from Aston Villa.

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Blades Hungary for investment

Sheffield United's bid to invest in Hungarian giants Ferencvaros has moved a step closer.

Blades chairman Terry Robinson and academy manager Ron Reid travelled to Hungary at the weekend for talks.

Earlier this month The Blades confirmed their interest in taking a controlling stake in Ferencvaros - who have major financial worries.

PLC chairman Kevin McCabe has already held talks and now Robinson has continued the negotiations with his trip.

''We have been examining how the club works from the youngest levels up to the senior team," Robinson explained.

"We had a look at the system of the club and their youth development and checked how many players moved abroad from here lately but we also had talks about financial things.

"The club officials informed us properly about the club's present situation."

Robson admitted that United had not yet finalised their offer.

''If we are going to hand in an application for the tender then we'll help Ferencvaros from that moment," he said.

"Maybe with players too, but it's evident that the club needs an immediate financial injection.

"It's not a problem because we have the money to invest into Ferencvaros and we think seriously the co-operation would mean mutual profit for both side."

Sheffield United already own a club in China, Chengdu Blades, and Robinson sees similarities to how the situation could develop in Hungary.

"We experienced this at Chinese team Chengdu. We have been working with the team for two years and in the second year they have had very positive changes," he added.

"Sheffield could also profit from this as there are lots of talented footballers in Ferencvaros.

"We wouldn't take them abroad immediately but we'd like to wait until they become a full player and then they could sign with us in England.

"If the deal was done then the youth-growing conditions of Ferencvaros should become better."

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Sheffield United v Southampton match preview

Bryan Robson has a number of selection posers after making changes for the Carling Cup game against Morecambe and seeing his fringe players impress.

Lee Hendrie is expected to retain his place in midfield, while Derek Geary, Nick Montgomery and Chris Lucketti also staked their claims.

Southampton welcome back Nathan Dyer (dead leg) and Jason Euell (ankle), while new loan signing Phil Ifil could also start.

Rudolf Skacel is still missing with a hamstring tweak, and Darren Powell is not yet ready to return due to his ankle problem.