No room for ex-Barca boy

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell won't offer ex-Barcelona midfielder Gerard Lopez a contract following his trial at the club.

Gerard, who came through the ranks at the Nou Camp at the same time as Xavi, now looks set to try his luck in America.

Blackwell admits it was tough for any of the players who have been in for trials recently to impress him and break into his tightly knit squad.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, he said: "It's difficult for them to get match fit - they have to impress in two or three days.

"We have a good squad, it's hard for them to break in."