Rams hit back at Blades claims

Derby have hit back at claims from Sheffield United that they have used a 'dirty tricks campaign ' to unsettle striker Rob Hulse.

The Rams officially ended their interest in the striker last week after discussions between both parties collapsed. But since then so called sources in the Sheffield media said the club felt they had been the victims of a "deliberate campaign to unsettle a player" and denied any talks about a transfer had ever taken place.

Rams boss Paul Jewell has hit back though, he told the Derby Telegraph: "I hear that sources at Sheffield United are telling their local press that there has been no discussion between the two clubs about Rob Hulse.

"Well those sources must be ill informed or completely out of the loop. I have personally discussed the matter with the manager Kevin Blackwell and their chairman Terry Robinson.

"We couldn't come to an agreement on a fee and the deal, as far as I'm concerned, is now dead."