The 24-year-old midfielder has appeared in United's last two pre-season games against Lancaster City and Hartlepool United. Simpson has opened talks with the former Sunderland player and hopes to complete the signing before the big kick-off in 11 days' time against Canvey Island. Lumsdon has been told he is no longer part of Barnsley manager Paul Hart's plans and is free to leave Oakwell. Meanwhile, the Cumbrians have taken former Manchester City keeper Kieran Westwood on trial. With the news that first choice stopper Matty Glennon may miss the start of the season, Simpson is looking to bring in another goalkeeper as cover for Peter Keen. Keen has struggled in pre-season and Westwood may even get the chance to kick off the season as the No.1 choice. He was playing in tonight's friendly at Barrow. "I've spoken to people at City who have spoken highly of him, so we'll see how he does in a match situation. I'm looking for us to be more ruthless in this game and we need to stop being nice to the opposition," said the Blues manager. Bell out as United cut costs General manager Paul Bell has been given the chop by United as they seek to further cut costs in the wake of a fresh cash-crisis. Bell was appointed to the position a few weeks into John Courtenay's reign as chairman after turning down a position with Manchester United. The former Sky Sports man helped to re-build United's commercial operation. He was appointed to the Board towards the end of the 2002-03 season. His duties will be performed by existing staff. United have a £300,000 VAT bill to pay and new owner Fred Story has vowed to sort out the club's finances. He is currently in the process of replacing the club's £1m mortgage with the Bristol & West finance house. The loan is believed to cost the club over £17,000 a month in interest and renewal fees. Picture from News & Star |
