Sheffield Utd boss Heckingbottom eager to strengthen Man City ties

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom admits he'd like to develop further their relationship with Manchester City.

The Blades secured promotion last season with James McAtee and Tommy Doyle on-loan from City.

Heckingbottom said: "We want to make sure we can capitalise on that relationship," he added.

"The players know what I think of them.

"Those two lads - and I know what they think of Sheffield United - we'll certainly be in dialogue with City over those players and others who may potentially be of interest to us."

He added: "Loans and free transfers are going to be so big so we're going to have to be as creative as we can be to give ourselves the best chance."