MARCELO DEAL OFF

The deal to take Marcelo from Sheffield United to Birmingham City has today fallen through, after being seemingly complete yesterday.

United had agreed a £500,000 transfer fee with the Blues for the striker and the player indicated on Thursday that he had agreed personal terms with the club.

However it seems as if extensive medical tests may have shown up a problem and the deal has been called off with Birmingham claiming `financial problems` as the reason.

The striker will now seemingly return to Sheffield and could be in line for Saturday`s trip to Swindon.

This could mean that Adrian Heath`s possible bid for Icelandic international striker Rikhardur Dadason could now be put on ice, although it would be unlikely that Heath could have secured his signature until his club, Viking Stavanger, have been knocked out of the UEFA Cup.

Heath said: `We have formally lodged a bid with Viking for the player and we`re awaiting their answer.`

He could also face competition for the player, as Scottish Premier League side Hearts are reported to have expressed an interest in the powerful striker, although having put an early bid in for the player, Heath will be hoping that he is in the driving seat for his signature as he looks to strengthen his squad.

Mitch Ward could also be on his way back to Bramall Lane after the Blades agreed a £500,000 fee with Everton for the midfielder or defender, although financial wrangles between Ward and the Toffees could delay the deal.