The Star understands that the majority of the £10m plc chairman Kevin McCabe recently proposed to make available at Bramall Lane has been earmarked for the playing squad.

The money, which if shareholders give their backing to the plan, will be used to allow Kevin Blackwell to make the 'handful' of signings he believes are necessary to consolidate United's position as a Championship heavyweight.

But, crucially, it also means that the United manager is under no pressure to shed big earners such as James Beattie from the wage bill.

The former England striker, who returned to pre-season training with his team mates earlier this week, is viewed as an integral part of United's promotion blueprint having scored 22 goals since completing a record-breaking transfer from Everton a year ago.

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Blackwell has confirmed he will strengthen key areas with proven performers rather than completely overhaul his squad.

With competition for players likely to be especially fierce this summer, Blackwell has been understandably coy to name his list of targets.

But McCabe's son and fellow director Simon confirmed his recruitment drive, which began with Wednesday's capture of Greg Halford and Sun Jihai, enjoys the complete support of the board.

The gesture, which would see him roll a present loan into a convertible loan notes package, represents another significant statement of intent from McCabe as United aim to reclaim the top-flight status they controversially lost in May 2007.

Although repayment would be in the form of shares, the current market value of United's stock means that if it was transferred back to the Brussels based property magnate in the near future, they would be worth less than the initial sum paid.

Chengdu Blades returned to home action following the Chinese earthquake, drawing 1-1 with Wuhan Guanggu.
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Manchester City could sign Turkey's Euro 2008 star and fomrer Blade Colin Kazim-Richards.

New Man City manager Mark Hughes has instructed his backroom staff, Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki, to provide a report on the former Sheffield United man.

*Paul Sturrock says Plymouth have yet to receive any 'concrete offers' for Peter Halmosi, said to be wanted wanted by Hull, West Brom and Sheffield United.

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