Mokoena Came Close To Blades Move

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Aaron Mokoena was on the verge of a move to Sheffield United, only for the deal to fall through before the transfer window closed.

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell has revealed that Mokoena had agreed a loan move to Bramall Lane, with everything agreed and the South African even watched them play Preston North End last Saturday. However, injuries at Ewood Park saw Sam Allardyce reluctant to let the International go in the end, and it was the 28-year-old who scored a screamer against Sunderland on Wednesday evening to get us back into the FA Cup Fourth Round replay, which of course we eventually won 2-1 in Extra-Time.

Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield: "That was all done and dusted, but Blackburn had a couple of injuries and he had to stay.

"He is the player we lost out on and he was the one that was at the game with us at Preston on Saturday."

Due to Rovers' continued participation in this season's FA Cup Blackwell doesn't expect the deal to be resurrected (and Championship sides do have a loan window opening up), as the Axe is likely to remain part of Allardyce's thinking as long as our Cup run goes on.

He added: "They are through in the next round of the Cup and if Sam is looking to make a few changes he might feel that he needs him around."

The Axe (who of course we must thank for his superb goal) has another life at Ewood, however, personally I feel a little sorry for him as his chance to play regular first team football again this season has now probably gone. I would be very surprised if he didn't move on in a permanent basis somewhere else in the summer though.


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