Kevin Blackwell has revealed West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo telephoned him to deny he had any interest in Blades striker Jamie Ward.
United boss Blackwell was delighted to have been given the courtesy of a call from his Baggies counterpart following speculation in various newspapers.
"I had a telephone call from Roberto telling me how embarrassed he was by the stories in the press because nothing had come from him, which was very nice of him," said Blackwell.
"He told me that if he had any interest in Ward whatsoever he would come to me and tell me himself and not through the press, so I can only assume that someone is playing games."
The Blades paid £333,000 for Chesterfield for Ward in last year's January transfer window, but scored only two goals in 18 appearances for United. This season he has hit five in 16 matches.
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.
