Thursday 22nd June 2000 : Transfer movement imminent?

With Roy McFarland back from his holiday and pre-season training commencing in less than a fortnight, we can expect transfer speculation to heat up.

The retirements from professional football of Clive Wilson and now Jason Kavanagh mean that McFarland needs new full-backs for both flanks, but today's Cambridge Evening News reveals that Scott Eustace may renew his contract after talks with Bristol Rovers fell through. Also player-coach David Preece has revealed that United are in talks with three unnamed defenders.

Eustace turned down United's final offer of a one year contract - according to Roy McFarland against the advice of his agent - and looked set to join Bristol Rovers on a two year deal. The 25-year-old had spoken of his wish for some security at this stage of his career, but the Bristol press reported that Rovers boss Ian Holloway was unlikely to follow up his interest and Eustace has renewed contact with United.

Preece said, "Scott could well stay with us. His agent was in touch with Roy before the gaffer went off for a break, and it sounds as though he wants to sign. We'll be sorting it, probably at the weekend. Scott did well for us last season. He's a useful player when he's in the right frame of mind."

On the prospects of bringing in new faces to strengthen the weakened defence, Preece said the club have been talking to a youngster from Manchester United and a defender from Wimbledon "who looks promising". There are rumours that the Dons player is 23-year-old Danny Hodges who progressed through their youth ranks and was a fixture for their reserves but never quite made the break through into the first team.

Another player who has talked with United is a local non-League defender who can play on the left. Preece explained, "We'll be having a look at him because left-footers are so thin on the ground these days. Anybody wanting to get into League football should try to develop it if they are any good on their left foot, because it would give them a big advantage."