Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell accepts new Tottenham signings Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton were always going to leave.

Walker will return on-loan for the season and Blackwell said: "Having Walker available is a very important part of our strategy and it's exciting to have the chance to talk with Tottenham and judge whether any other of their players might fit into our squad.

"If we think that someone could help us we could take them on a short-term loan throughout August and, if required, extend it to a season-long arrangement after that."

He added: "Our academy is proving its worth in producing assets for Sheffield United and, in these current uncertain financial times, we are pursuing a policy we believe will enable me to try and build a competitive team whilst developing the club's long-term future."