Sheffield United are reported to have made a £400,000 bid for Port Vale's Chris Birchall. If the story proves to be correct then this would almost certainly rule the Blues out of the race to sign the Trinidad and Tobago midfielder.

Boss Jim Magilton has said he is monitoring the 22-year-old's progress but has not made any contact with Vale regarding one of the World Cup's surprise stars.

Serious interest from the Blades, and also reportedly Reading, would put Birchall out of Town's financial reach.

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