Warnock goes window shopping

Neil Warnock and his Sheffield United staff have spent the week watching January transfer targets across Europe.

The Blades could be boosted by a £5m (€7.4m) transfer kitty next month after announcing a proposal to raise £10m (€14.8m) with a convertible loan notes issue to the Stock Exchange on Wednesday.

Warnock attended the Champions League clash between PSV Eindhoven and Bordeaux on Tuesday before crossing from Holland to Belgium to take in Anderlecht’s clash with AEK Athens.

On Thursday he was due to watch the Scandinavian Royal League clash in Sweden between Helsingborgs and Danish side Odense, who are coached by former Arsenal manager Bruce Rioch.

“We are following up on previous recommendations and between my staff and myself we shall be targeting around eight matches across Europe ahead of the January transfer window.”

Meanwhile, Michael Tonge and Chris Armstrong featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Leeds’ Thorp Arch training ground.

Armstrong, who underwent an exploratory operation on his knee last month, played for the full 90 minutes while Tonge played 25 minutes after damaging ankle ligaments against Chelsea back in October.

“Injury-wise, Armstrong and Tonge are in front of where we thought they would be at this stage,” Warnock told the club’s official website www.sufc.co.uk.

“I’m delighted that Chris had a full game and Michael got 25 minutes under his belt. Both had no reaction to their injuries, and we’re hoping to arrange a similar game for next Tuesday.”

Mikele Leigertwood is another hoping to return soon after suffering an ankle knock in the win over Watford last week.

“It’s been good here. I am really enjoying it and feel that I’ve been consistent after settling in,” he said.

“It was an unfortunate injury I sustained at Watford. I’m hoping to return for the Christmas fixtures and get back to the level I achieved before the knock, and then push on from there.”

The Blades take on Aston Villa at Bramall Lane on Monday night aiming for their third consecutive win in the Barclays Premiership.