Robson silent on Blades rumours

The 50-year-old former Middlesbrough and West Brom boss has emerged as the clear favourite after the Blades indicated they were looking to appoint an experienced manager.

Robson, who recently established a thriving sports consultancy business, told PA Sport: "I have absolutely nothing to say about it at the moment."

It is understood that while his other business interests will require a tempting offer to lure him back into management, Robson would consider Sheffield United a sufficiently attractive option.

And the job would enable him to link up with his former Manchester United associate Brian Kidd, who is currently at Bramall Lane as first team coach and would likely become Robson's assistant.

Kenny Dalglish, who knows Blades plc chairman Kevin McCabe and has been out of management since leaving Celtic in 2000, Peter Reid and Dave Bassett have also been linked to the job.

Blades club chairman Terry Robinson said three different shortlists were in the process of being drawn up, but left no doubts that the club strongly favours another experienced boss in the mould of 58-year-old Warnock.

Robinson told the Blades' website, www.sufc.co.uk: "Broadly speaking we are looking at there lists, one containing the names of men with all the ideal qualities, another of up and coming younger managers, and then some from abroad to give us a wide choice of possibilities.

"We are working mainly from the first list and have had contact with some of the managers on it. We will progress from there when we have enough information and confidence to take things to the next stage.

"The time-frame for appointing is really to get everything sorted out as soon as possible. Kevin McCabe is currently in the USA so we are doing the groundwork so that he can decide, possibly as early as next week."