Reports in the UK media yesterday suggested that English Champion-ship teams Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday are planning a pre-season warm-up in Malta next summer.

The Star reported that the two rivals are mulling a proposal to play a 'friendly derby' in Malta before the 2009/10 season.

Malta has established close links with Sheffield United following the signing of a shirt sponsorship deal with the Malta Tourism Authority at the start of the current season.

The deal, worth €350,000, has now been extended by another year. The signing of the extension was made at the end of a four-day training camp the Blades had here at the end of last month.

During their stay, players and officials from the Bramall Lane club, who have Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber on their books, also found time to visit young patients in hospital and distributed various mementoes to promote Sheffield United FC.

Promotion bid

This season, United are in contention to win promotion to the Premier League as they are currently second in the league standings but the Owls are adrift in a mid-table position, 12 points away from the play-off zone.

Wednesday, however, delighted their fans by completing the double over the Blades this season, beating them 1-0 and 2-1 in league matches, home and away.

The Star said that security would not be an issue if both sets of supporters travel to the island for the July friendly as the Maltese authorities are ready to stop any known hooligans from entering the country.

Special arrangements will be made for the Wednesday and United followers to stay in different tourist areas and avoid trouble.

The newspaper report added that such a showpiece would raise Malta's profile and link with football in the UK.