United striker Luciano Becchio is close to joining his squad mates for full pre-season training after reporting back to Thorp Arch on Thursday.

Last season's leading goalscorer missed the end of the campaign due to a hamstring injury, but has been working hard over the summer and has made good progress.

"He's been doing some rehab in Spain," said United boss Simon Grayson.

"He's been doing some work with Harvey Sharman and the chances are he will join back in fully over the next week or so.

"When players are injured they have to be ready to come back and we won't bring them back in too early.

"Lloyd Sam and Ben Parker are both the same in that they didn't have the best of luck with injuries last season, but they have worked hard, they are back with us, and hopefully they will have a clear season.

"It's been particularly difficult for Ben over the last couple of years, but hopefully we will have player challenging for the first team."