However none of his targets will be able to play for United until NEXT season. That is because they are all currently under contract and will be available on Bosman-style free transfers this summer. Collins wants to move fast to tie them down to contracts now rather than wait until the stampede of the summer months. The rules state players who will be out of contract at the end of the season can negotiate with clubs from January onwards and even sign contracts with them. "Under the Bosman ruling I can do the deals now. It will be a big lift to do it all in the next few weeks. I am looking at about six names. We can't afford to go out and buy players, but we can get quality players on Bosman's and I have my eye on the ones I want," he said. It is understood Collins travelled to Glasgow last night for talks with two Scottish players and he is also planning a trip back to his native Ireland to meet more potential recruits. Collins has already signed sixteen players this season and has one of the biggest squads in the entire Football League. He is very keen to off-load a clutch of players who he says are earning too much. Amongst this group are Lee Maddison, Ian Stevens, Dave Morley, Luke Weaver and Will Varty. Hull match in race against time to beat weather Hull City have asked their supporters to act as volunteer groundsmen and help clear their pitch of snow ahead of tomorrow night's televised Division Three clash with Carlisle at Boothferry Park. The match - the first live appearance of a United side in over four years - will go ahead if the pitch is cleared of snow and the terracing and approaches are safe for spectators. Humberside has suffered freezing temperatures like the rest of the country this week but pitch covers have kept the surface clear of frost and it is still playable. The weather forecast is for another cold night tonight but temperatures should stay above freezing tomorrow when the game is due to be played at 7.45pm. Carlisle have had their last three games called off and have been inactive for longer than any other Third Division side. The Cumbrians could include 16-year-old John Slaven in their squad. Another teenager, Brian Wake, is definitely ruled out with a groin strain. |
