The rumour mill has suggested that Sheffield United have been showing interest in teenager Deane Smalley but the club have confirmed they have had no contact at all from the Blades.Forward Smalley broke through to the first team last season and made 45 appearances, including 25 starts but Athletic are determined to try to keep their best prospects. They already turned down an offer for Chris Taylor last season but with their two major sponsors getting into financial difficulties it could become hard to turn down any large, serious offers for their players.