Walsall Football Club are believed to be negotiating with Sheffield United for a loan return of former captain and two-time player of the season, Andy Butler.However, according to reports in Sheffield, the Saddlers could face competition from Sky Bet League One strugglers Crewe Alexandra.
Butler has been at Bramall Lane since the summer, but has already fallen out of favour with Blades boss Nigel Clough due to an apparent training ground disagreement.
Crewe boss Steve Davis reportedly views Butler as the type of experienced figure capable of resurrecting his club’s disastrous start to the new League One campaign, with the Alex losing all five of their opening league games.
However, like Walsall, Davis would need United to subsidise a percentage of the 30-year-old’s wages before attempting to progress his interest, something he may not be able to do, due to severe financial constraints at the club.
It is understood that Walsall entered a loan enquiry early last week and the Blades response is thought to have contained a demand that potential suitors must first pledge to cover his wages, in full, for the duration of any proposed agreement before being granted permission to open talks.
Although sources close to Dean Smith’s side last night confirmed he will continue monitoring Butler’s situation, they acknowledged he feels a deal is unlikely to progress unless United’s stance softens.