Ivo Grbic transfer interest could help kickstart Sheffield United recruitment drive amid Plymouth star link

Sheffield United’s on-hold summer recruitment drive could be kickstarted by the departure of Ivo Grbic, with clubs in Spain interested in signing the Croatian goalkeeper despite his difficult start to life in English football. The former Atletico Madrid man signed in January, but a series of unconvincing displays have convinced United to try and cut their losses on him this summer.

Despite his troubles, conceding 32 goals in 10 appearances in a United shirt as the Blades were relegated from the Premier League, Grbic is attracting interest from Getafe, according to reports from Spain. Leganes, of the Spanish second tier, have also been mentioned in connection with a potential Grbic deal.

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With Wes Foderingham and Jordan Amissah being released this summer - Foderingham subsequently signing a two-year deal at West Ham - and Adam Davies’ contract also expiring, Grbic’s availability for transfer makes the goalkeeping department one of the big priority positions for boss Chris Wilder in this summer transfer window.

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A number of suitable targets have already been identified, while Michael Cooper of Plymouth Argyle is known to have admirers amongst the United coaching staff. Cooper, regarded as one of the best goalkeepers outside the top-flight, is likely to move this summer after turning down a contract that would have made him the highest-paid player in Plymouth’s history. His current deal expires next summer.

United’s transfer activity so far has been hamstrung by the ongoing takeover saga, with a US-led consortium looking to take control at Bramall Lane ahead of the new Championship season. But any potential departure for Grbic would accelerate the process of bringing in replacements, with United kicking off their new season six weeks today away at Preston North End.