Sheffield United's summer goalkeeper plan after Viktor Johansson "miss", Ivo Grbic future decision

Sheffield United’s recruitment team have compiled a list of alternative goalkeepers they could target this summer, The Star understands, after one of the stoppers on their radar completed a rival Championship move over the weekend. Viktor Johansson, the highly-rated Rotherham United goalkeeper, was an option for the Blades this summer but instead has moved to Stoke City following the Blades’ relegation.

United had previously looked at the Swede in action for the Millers before moving for Ivo Grbic from Atletico Madrid in January, with the Millers’ style of play meaning that Johansson’s distribution ability was not widely known. He was widely-regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the second tier but United have other options in-play this summer as they prepare for life after Wes Foderingham, who will leave on a free this summer.

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United, as The Star revealed this morning, have also made a swift decision on the future of Grbic, who will be sold this summer just months after his arrival if a suitable offer is received that United can re-invest. Jordan Amissah, the young goalkeeper, will also be officially released at the end of next month but Welsh international Adam Davies, who was also scheduled to become a free agent this summer, could remain at Bramall Lane if he signs a new deal.

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Boss Chris Wilder was tight-lipped on speculation linking United with a move for Anthony Patterson, the Sunderland goalkeeper, recently, but it’s understood that he would not be a feasible target as things stand, even at the £8m figure mooted. United’s Championship rivals are in a strong position with the boyhood Sunderland fan, who is contracted to the Stadium of Light until 2028, and could realistically demand twice that figure for one of their prized assets.

With funds still tight at Bramall Lane despite a third season in the Premier League out of the last five, Wilder is expected to largely focus on the free agent and loan markets this summer, with what he described as “small fees” available to strengthen if the right players become available. United recently brought back former player and coach Jamie Hoyland as their new lead scout, with former analyst Mikey Allen installed as head of recruitment following Paul Mitchell’s departure earlier this year.