Robson interest in Blades

Robson, 50, previously managed Middlesbrough for seven years and also had recent spells in charge of West Yorkshire club Bradford City and Midlands outfit West Bromwich Albion. He departed the Hawthorns early this season following a poor start.

"I said when I left West Brom in October that I'd like to get back into the game," he told Sky Sports News. "I enjoy the management side and the coaching of the players.

"Sheffield United are a big club and that's the type of challenge that I would be looking for."

South Yorkshire club United have just been relegated back to the Championship after their first stint in the Premiership since 1994. Long-time boss Neil Warnock resigned after the last-day defeat to Wigan which consigned them to the drop.

West Brom, also relegated from the top division under Robson in 2006, are in the play-off final - where they will face Derby County - after a resurgence under Robson's successor Tony Mowbray.