Blades keen for Kilgannon stay

Kevin Blackwell is "optimistic" that Matthew Kilgallon will remain at Sheffield United next season.

The defender's future is unclear with Wolves, Birmingham and Wigan all being linked with the centre-back, but Blackwell is confident the former Leeds United player will be at the club for the opening fixture against Middlesbrough.

The Blades manager told the Sheffield Star: "I have held preliminary talks with Matt and those negotiations will continue when I return from holiday next week. Of course I want him to stay, and I am optimistic that he will."

The 24-year-old played 46 times for the Blades last season and was a key factor in their progress to the Championship play-off final and the club are keen for him to extend the three-and-a-half year contract he signed in January 2007.

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