Sheffield United hope to announce a major investment deal that could see a Malaysian businessman join the board. Chief executive Trevor Birch has confirmed the financial package "won't be a takeover" and that any money invested into the club will be handed to manager Gary Speed for team strengthening.

Birch said: "We are progressing and have a potential investor in Malaysia who we are talking to.

"Hopefully there will be some resolution in the next six weeks or so and others are also in the frame. If it happens it won't be a takeover, it will be a partnership investment alongside (chairman) Kevin McCabe.

"Kevin is on record as saying any investment will be directed straight into the first team rather than repaying any monies invested by him.

"They are general business people who have professionalism in managing businesses. We would hope there is enough expertise here to run a football club and that is what they are buying into. It will be a calculated investment, there won't be any rash splashing out on players and it has to be hand-in-hand with what Gary Speed wants in terms of squad enhancement."