SHEFFIELD UNITED could be ready to offer Bury a player-plus-cash deal for striker David Johnson (pictured).

The Shakers rate six goal Johnson in the £1.5 million bracket but sources close to the Yorkshire club say the Blades, who have been tracking Johnson for the past month, are unlikely to meet that cash valuation.

They might, however, be willing to offer former Celtic and Bolton Wanderers striker, Andy Walker, in part exchange. The 32-year-old proven goalscorer has been unable to nail down a regular starting berth in Nigel Spackman's promotion seeking side.

For their part, the Shakers have read the speculation about the Blades and Blackburn Rovers both wanting 21-year-old Johnson but they insist they have heard nothing from across the Pennines or from any other club.

"It is pure speculation and until I have heard something from another club I will not comment," declared Gigg Lane chief Stan Ternent. "It is nice that big clubs are linked with our players, it shows we must be making some progress. I don't think the talk will unsettle David, it should flatter him." Ternent made no indication about whether the cash-strapped Shakers would accept a big money offer for their top scorer but admitted:

"It would be a big decision for the club. We are trying to establish ourselves in Division One and there would be lots of things to consider, not least the player himself. No club likes to stand in the way of a lad who is trying to better himself."

Ternent expects Johnson to play against Birmingham City tomorrow when he could be joined in the starting line up by new signing Jason Peake and fit-again Tony Rigby. Both impressed in the hour they played at Swindon last Saturday and again in the reserves at Wigan on Wednesday night.

Dean West, despite another outing at Springfield Park, is not sufficiently recovered from his hernia operation to be considered for a first team comeback, while David Pugh, Gordon Armstrong, Rob Matthews and Ronnie Jepson are all ruled out.

Despite his depleted resources Ternent remains upbeat.

"We have had a bad run of results but the performances haven't been that poor," he reckoned.

"The effort and endeavour is there and we have been beaten by some quality sides with quality finishers. We are remaining positive and I know we'll be all right in the long term.

"We start again tomorrow against Birmingham and hope the fans stay with us. They have been magnificent so far this season and together we'll be fine.

"We haven't put it together for an entire ninety minutes over the last few matches but tomorrow would be a great time to rediscover our best form."

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