Iron open talks with five

Last updated : 17 February 2003 By Patrick Hill

Tommy Evans, Nathan Stanton, Peter Beagrie and United's top scorer Martin Carruthers are all free agents at the end of the season, and United gaffer Brian Laws is hoping out of contract Andy Dawson may also yet put pen to paper.

Laws said that some have been offered new deals but insists negotiations are still at the early stages.

He also has his thoughts on trying to bring Sunderland defender Clifford Byrne to the club on a permanent basis.

The Republic of Ireland U21 international has impressed during his two months on loan with the Iron and has already suggested that he would be prepared to stay at Glanford Park.