Blades Net City Star

Last updated : 04 January 2006 By @blades_mad1889

John Halls
Halls, 23 started his career at Arsenal in August 2000 before leaving in December 2003 after a successful loan spell at Stoke City. During his Highbury stay he only ever managed three substitute appearances in the League Cup.

On his Arsenal debut, in a 4-0 win against Manchester United saw it short lived. He had replaced Giovanni van Bronckhorst on 50 minutes, only to be sent off 22 minutes later.

However it was whilst with the Gunners that he joined Colchester United on loan in January 2002, the Islington born Defender played just six games for the U's.

In 2002-03 he joined Belgium side Beveren on a seasons long loan spell and in October 2003 netted a loan deal at Stoke, he played eight games for the Potters (receiving a red card at Watford in a 3-1 win). And, for a nominal fee made his move a permanent transfer in December 2003.

He has so far played 72 (+ 2 as sub) games for the Britannia Stadium club whilst scoring twice, one in the 1-0 away victory at Millwall. His only sending off this season (so far) came at home to QPR on 3 December with the Hoops winning 2-1.

It should be a good deal for United, highly rated at Stoke but has fused to sign a new deal which would see him leave on a free transfer in July 2006.

The deal of Halls is expected to happen some time in January, we predict it will happen next week just shortly before United travel to Ipswich Town.