The confusion over Ahmed Fathi's reported move to Zamalek continues, after Sheffield United manager Bryan Robson denied all knowledge of such a deal.
According to the Egyptian Football Association, both clubs had stated that a transfer was concluded for the midfielder, however the deal was thrown into doubt after the player denied all knowledge of a move.
Robson has now stated that, as far as he is concerned, Fathi will be staying at Bramall Lane, and mentioned that the 22 year old is in his team for Saturday's trip to Colchester United.
"I have not heard anything about that," he said to the club's official website.
"Whilst the transfer window is open, people will always talk about players coming in and players going out, you can never stop the speculation. Ahmed was training with the boys and he's a big part of the team and, as far as I am concerned, he's a Sheffield United player."
Aside from saying that Fathi will be staying, Robson continued to say that he will remain in the search for a new midfield addition, however mentioned that current interest is failing to bear fruit.
He continued, "There is nothing to report at this moment in time. If I bring a player in, it requires to be a player better than the quality that we already have in the team, if that player does become available then I'll attempt to make it happen."
10 08 2007
Christian Nade is unlikely to play for Sheffield United again after demanding a move, as stated by manager Bryan Robson.
The French under-20 international was omitted from the club's pre season photo and is not in the team for tomorrow's opening game of the Championship season against Colchester United
Robson, who strengthened his attacking options with the capture of James Beattie and Billy Sharp, said, "Christian is not in my plans. He says that he thinks he is not going to challenge for a 1st team place. He is a young lad, he is ambitious, and he would like to play 1st team football – so I have no quarrel with that."
Robson said that Championship rivals Bristol City are the only club to have expressed an interest in Nade since the collapse of a proposed £550,000 transfer to Hull City last month.
Nade, signed on a free transfer last summer from French club Troyes, started only 7 Premier League games and scored 3 goals that included the winner against Arsenal at Bramall Lane.
Robson has played down speculation linking midfielder Ahmed Fathi with a return to Eygpt only 7 months after his arrival in English football.
Reports in Eygpt say that Fathi will sign a 4 year deal with Cairo based Zamalek however Robson mentioned that there was no talks and the player will be in the team against Colchester.
Former manager Neil Warnock paid £700,000 for the 22 year old in the January transfer window however he played only 3 games before the end of the season.
07 08 2007
Bryan Robson has taken out more goalkeeping insurance by bringing back Paul Gerrard.
The experienced 'keeper was with the Blades last season and then released in May however Robson has moved to re-sign him and so provide back up to Paddy Kenny and Ian Bennett.
Gerrard joined United from Forest initially on a short term deal before signing for the Premier League season.
He played twice in the Premier League and made one cup appearance last season.
Bennett played part of last night's game at Stocksbridge PS which the Blades won 4-0.
The team included Ahmed Fathi, Geoff Horsfield, Luton Shelton and Nicky Law.
Shelton scored twice, and Horsfield and Law the others.
