Sky sources claim that Gary Speed is to be appointed as Kevin Blackwell's successor at Sheffield United. Blackwell left his role as manager by mutual consent over the weekend after the Blades had lost 3-0 at home to Queens Park Rangers.

Chief executive Trevor Birch later stressed the club would take their time in the hunt for a new boss to make sure they got the right man.

But it now seems there could be an announcement sooner than expected.

The Welshman has been working as a coach alongside Blackwell at Bramall Lane and now looks set for the top job at Sheffield United, where he has been on the club's books as a player since the start of 2008.