NICKY Marker looks set to join Sheffield United, with Blackburn Rovers boss Roy Hodgson unable to give the 32-year-old central defender any guarantees about a first team chance at Ewood.

Marker, who has often proved an unsung hero whenever he has been called up for senior duty, was told towards the end of last season that he would be allowed to leave if a suitable offer came in for him.

I understand Rovers were looking for around £200,000 and were prepared to help Marker find a new club because of his excellent service.

He has been a terrific squad player but Hodgson admitted today: "With the quality of centre backs we have at the club we cannot give Nicky any guarantees.

"And, at this stage of his career, he really needs to be involved in first team football.

"He has given good service to the club and has been an excellent cover player in case of injury.

"I am not particularly happy about him going because he is a very useful member of the squad.

"But, in the circumstances, I felt duty bound to let him go. It's no longer sufficient for him just to be a squad player."

Marker joined Rovers from Plymouth Argyle in September 1992 in a deal valued at £500,000.

It included Craig Skinner and Keith Hill going in part-exchange to Argyle.

His versatility meant he could fill both midfield or defensive roles but his first team chances were still strictly limited during nearly five years at Ewood. Marker, in fact, made only 49 full appearances - in all competitions - along with 16 more as a substitute.

But, whenever he was called upon, usually in an injury crisis, he never let the club down.

He revealed at the end of last season, however, that he could well be on his way this summer.

Rovers have a large contingent of central defenders, added to by the arrival of Stephane Henchoz, and Marker could well have found himself even further down the pecking order.

It is a logical decision for both player and club and, if it goes through, could prove a very good move for Marker at this stage of his career.

Paul Warhurst's £1.25 million move to Crystal Palace, meanwhile, has yet to be completed, despite further discussions in London yesterday. The out-of-contract Warhurst had lengthy talks with Palace boss Steve Coppell but returned home without completing the transfer.

He is understood to have asked for a little more time to think over the move to Selhurst, though there are no other clubs in for him at the moment.

A transfer tribunal will sit in Sheffield next Wednesday to decide the fees for Shay Given's move to Newcastle and John Filan's switch from Coventry to Ewood.

In both cases, the clubs concerned are likely to be a long way apart on their valuations of the players, especially with Given.

Newcastle have said they might try to get the keeper for nothing, under the post-Bosman changes.

Stoke have been ordered to pay Swindon £550,000 for ex-Rovers striker Peter Thorne by a transfer tribunal.

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