Paul Merson has failed in an audacious attempt to bring Manchester United youngsters Chris Eagles, Kieran Richardson and 18-year-old striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to Bescot on loan.

“I have inquired about players who I thought would be good in our team but none of them have been allowed to come.” said Merson.

“It is difficult because they have two reserve teams and they have to make sure they have enough players to fulfil all their fixtures.”

“I asked about Blake, who I think could have done us a job, but they said no. The kind of players you would take are the likes of Chris Eagles and Kieran Richardson, but they just won’t let them go.”

All three youngsters have featured for United in the League Cup this season and were in the Champions League squad for last week’s 0-3 defeat to Fenerbahce.