Loan sharks

Today was a day of potential and actual loan deals. One deal that didn't happen involved Grimsby defender Paul Raven, who This is Grimsby alleged might have been due to join United today as the Mariners desperately attempted to cut their wage bill in order to sign Marlon Broomes for the remainder of the season. Blackburn defender Broomes couldn't agree terms with Grimsby and he opted to join Sheffield Wednesday instead, and so the need to offload Raven diminished. Electronic Fishcake alleged that the loan deal had actually been signed but that Grimsby cancelled it after failing to sign Broomes.

One loan deal that probably will happen is Carlisle defender Dave Morley, who looks set to join United for a month to help shore up the U's back line. It is even possible that he will join fellow new signing Andy Crosby in the line-up against Mansfield on Saturday, leaving Scott Guyett's selection in doubt, although Morley has also played in midfield for Carlisle. Morley, who is 24, played for Carlisle when Ian Atkins was manager there. There is not yet any suggestion that this might become a permanent move.

A final loan deal that looks almost certain to occur is that of Kelvin McIntosh, United's young midfielder, who looks set to join Oxford City for a month as the two clubs continue to strengthen their links. According to reports on Radio Oxford it is possible that more players may follow in order to gain experience of playing in a competitive environment.