2nd Approach For Speed Rejected By Blades

&backgrounSheffield United have rejected Swansea City's second approach to speak to Gary Speed, according to BBC Sport.

Despite chairman Huw Jenkins saying last week that their interest in the Welshman has ended after their first approach was rejected, the Swans are still trying to appoint Speed as our new manager.

A source close to the Sheffield United coach said that he is disappointed that the Blades have blocked his chance to make his management debut at the Liberty Stadium:

'Gary is very disappointed Sheffield United have refused him permission to talk to Swansea,'

'He wanted to [talk to Swansea] and fancied the job.

'He's been trying since Thursday to get them to change their mind given he only has one year left on his [Blades] coaching contract and has made it clear he would like the Swansea job.'

Swansea City were hoping to appoint Paulo Sousa's replacement by today, but it's now looking like we'll be without a manager tomorrow when we travel to Hereford United for our a second pre-season friendly.

Wigan Athletic assistant manager Graeme Jones is still being linked with the job, despite Jenkins denying the speculation. He's the new favourite with SkyBet at 4/6, ahead of Gary Speed at 2/1. Gianfranco Zola is 3/1, followed by Brendan Rodgers 6/1.