Thorne Targeted by Blades

Cardiff City striker Peter Thorne is a target for Championship rivals Sheffield United.

Neil Warnock is understood to have made an approach to the Bluebirds to enquire about the availability of Cardiff's £1.7m record signing.

Warnock's interest in Thorne comes as his bid to bring Icelandci international Heidar Helguson to Bramall Lane failed.

As yet there has been no firm offer for the former Stoke striker, but it is likely that Thorne will be allowed to go if the price is right as the Bluebirds look to slash their crippling wage bill.

Thorne, was Cardiff's top scorer last season, with a mere 14 goals as they struggled in front of goal and is seen as their biggest asset behind Danny Gabbidon who is also expected to leave when a bid comes in.

It is understood that Thorne is the second-highest earner at the club, earning a weekly wage of around £7,500, added to the belief that he will we sold should Warnock make an offer.

With just one-year left on his contract Hammam will be keen to offload the Manchester-born striker and pick up a fee for him than see him leave for nothing next summer.

Warnock has expressed his desire to bring in "experienced" names as he looks to push for promotion to the Premiership this season, with the outspoken Blades boss keen on a number of Cardiff players.

After expressing an interest in March, Warnock said: "We can't afford the wages Cardiff are paying their players," something which could be true of most clubs in the Championship.

"I tried to buy Kav when I heard Cardiff were looking to sell him, but I pulled out when I found out what his wages were.

"I'd love to sign James Collins and Danny Gabbidon, but we wouldn't be able to cope with the wages they're on at Cardiff."

He added, "If you've got a big wage bill and you hit trouble, then it can be difficult to get rid of your high earners.

"Some clubs try to go up running a tight ship - like us - and other clubs take a gamble. Cardiff gambled and that sometimes can backfire."