IFFY ONUORA and Carl Asaba could be reunited in Sheffield United's attack next season.

Onuora, 34, whose Gillingham contract is up at the end of the month, will join former Priestfield strike partner Asaba and the rest of the United squad when they report back for pre-season training next Thursday with a view to signing.

United manager Neil Warnock said today: “I have spoken to Iffy and invited him here for pre-season training. We know he's a good player and good professional. In fact he's got to be among the best free transfers available right now.

“So we thought the best thing we could do was to invite him here so we can take a look at him and he can have a good look at us.”

With another of his strikers, Paul Peschisolido, ruled out with an ankle injury until October, Warnock is anxious to bolster his attack and add a greater physical presence which Onuora would provide.

The United boss also believes he will bring the best out of Asaba. The two became good friends while together at Gillingham and had neighbouring apartments in Rochester.

The news will disappoint the Gillingham players who regarded Onuora as vital to their team ethic. Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler repeatedly singled him out for praise last season.

Skipper Paul Smith expressed the hope earlier this week that Onuora would be tempted to stay so that he and new signing Rod Wallace could forge a productive goal partnership up front.

Bristol Rovers will also be disappointed. They spoke to Bristol-based Onuora last week in the hope of tempting him to the Memorial Ground.

But Onuora insisted: “If I received an offer from a club in a higher division I would be daft not to accept it. I live in Bristol but playing for a club close to home is not an overriding factor."