Rumour-type things

There are fairly credible reports that Swansea central defender Matthew Bound is about to join United on a month's loan as the Welsh club struggles to overcome a continuing financial crisis. Bound is the Swans' highest paid player and the club is keen to get him off the wages bill even if only temporarily. Bound, who was sent off against United at the Vetch last season, has said that he doesn't want to leave Swansea but obviously will if the club no longer wants to keep him.

Another player strongly linked with United is Carlisle left back Lee Maddison. Maddison was signed for Carlisle by Ian Atkins, but since Atkins left Brunton Park he has hardly featured for the Cumbrians, where the internal politics are even more intricate than at Swansea. Atkins admitted his interest in Maddison at the fans' forum last week.

Also being linked with a move to United, although much more spuriously, is Bristol Rovers' current caretaker manager Garry Thompson, who is being mooted as Ian Atkins' new number two by some. File this one under “believe it when it happens”.