Sheffield United poised to unveil new signing ahead of Manchester City clash

Sheffield United look set to sign Nottingham Forest defender Jack Robinson

The 26-year-old visited the Premier League club’s training complex yesterday, having been granted permission to hold talks with Chris Wilder’s side ahead of a move to Bramall Lane.

Although Robinson’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, United chose to negotiate his release from the City Ground now rather than wait until the summer because of Chris Wilder’s need for defensive reinforcements.

After unveiling former England midfielder Jack Rodwell earlier this month, the United manager identified a lack of cover and competition at the back as his biggest concern ahead of this month’s transfer deadline.

Robinson, who started his career with Liverpool, could be officially confirmed as a member of United’s squad before tonight’s game against Manchester City.

Speaking as negotiations with the left-back and his representative continued, Wilder acknowledged progress was being made in the search for new additions.

“We’re still looking, I’ll work with the board and if I don’t think the players are available or we can’t get them, then we’ll move on.

“There’s a list of players we’re looking at to strengthen, I’m no different to any other manager in the country

“We can’t stand still in terms of the football or the investment.”

“One of the things I’ve always done is treat the club’s money as if it was my own,” Wilder, who has also been monitoring Anderlecht’s Elias Cobbaut, Adrien Tameze of Nice and Ipswich Town’s Luke Woolfenden, added. “I know some managers don’t do that.

“I’ll always ask the question but I won’t sign players for the sake of it. I like to think that trust is reciprocated.

“We’ll get one or two in, definitely I’m sure, but it’s a moving market.”

Robinson, a former England under-21 international, made three appearances for Liverpool before arriving in the east Midlands via Queens Park Rangers.

United have prepared for their meeting with second-placed City in seventh, following last weekend’s draw with Arsenal.