The Swansea City vice captain is reported to have been the subject of an enquiry from the Blades already this summer and with the Swans still keen on Speed to be their new manager the Evening Post reports that Tate could be used as bait to bring Speed to South Wales.
Tate is the longest serving player at the club and has long since made no secret of his desire to stay in Swansea not just for the rest of his career but beyond that as well. Seeing himself very much as an adopted Jack, Tate wants to retain the love affair that started when he joined the club on loan from Manchester United.
The Post report that Speed remains the top target for the Swans despite having their approach turned down twice. They believe that Kevin Blackwell may use that interest as a chance to get at Tate who he wants to link back up with Leon Britton at Bramall Lane.
The paper also reports that Speed has flown to Malta to be with the Blades on their pre-season tour.
A dull period this isn't.
This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.