Derby chairman Adam Pearson has confirmed the Rams' interest in Sheffield United striker Rob Hulse.

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Pearson denied Derby have already made an offer for the 28-year-old, but admitted Derby manager Paul Jewell could make a move for Hulse.

Pearson told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "It's not beyond the realms of possibility. Rob's definitely a player that interests us. He's a player that definitely interests the manager."

Hulse struggled to capture his best form last season after breaking his leg at Chelsea in March 2007 and was not given an extended run in the starting line-up - due to the fact the Blades have seven first-team strikers.

Pearson added: "I think they're saying they want to keep him now because it puts them in a stronger position.

"But if you're sitting on seven centre forwards, the bottom line is that you have to sell some of them."