Sheffield United set to make second swoop of the transfer window

Nottingham Forest’s Jack Robinson is understood to have been granted permission to explore the possibility of a move to Bramall Lane after falling out of favour at the City Ground in recent months.

The 26-year-old, previously of Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. But with Wilder looking to bolster his defensive options for the second-half of the campaign, United would be willing to pay a fee to secure his immediate release rather than wait until the summer.

Ipswich Town’s Luke Woolfenden is another name known to interest Wilder and his coaching staff after impressing for Paul Lambert’s side.

Robinson has made 19 appearances for Sabri Lamouchi’s team this term.

But with Yuri Ribeiro and Chema Rodriguez preferred by the Frenchman in recent weeks, pushing through a deal now also suits Forest rather than losing the player for nothing in five months time.

After unveiling former England midfielder Jack Rodwell before United’s recent FA Cup tie against AFC Fyle, Wilder confirmed identifying cover and competition for Chris Basham and Jack O’Connell is his top priority ahead of the forthcoming deadline.

Given the financial challenges United face after returning to the Premier League following more than a decade away, Wilder views the EFL as the most likely source of permanent acquisitions.

Elias Cobbaut, the RSC Anderlecht centre-half, was previously mooted as a target before the Belgians demanded more than £10m for his services.

United, who are seventh in the table after drawing with Arsenal last weekend, return to action when Manchester City visit South Yorkshire tomorrow.