Blades want Mellor but Reds know nothing

"He has good movement, an eye for a goal, and is very athletic – and he's from Sheffield,” said Blades boss Neil Warnock.

"Other clubs are interested, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool would be prepared to sell at this time, or wait until the January window."

But Liverpool are baffled by the claims that the Championship club are prepaing a £500,000 bid for the striker.

"Contrary to reports emanating from Bramall Lane, we can confirm that Liverpool Football Club has received no official bid from Sheffield United for striker Neil Mellor," said a club spokesman.