Exclusive: Sheffield United in advanced talks to sign attacker on a free

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Sheffield United are in advanced talks to sign attacker Callum Gribbin after his release from Manchester United, Football Insider can reveal.

The Premier League club have had an extensive look at the 20-year-old at close quarters since he joined them on an initial trial basis at the end of last month.

A Blades source has told Football Insider that manager Chris Wilder has given the green light for the club to sign Gribbin after being impressed by his potential and ability to play in any of the three attacking positions behind the centre-forward.

United are in negotiations with Gribbin's camp over a contract and are hopeful an agreement can be swiftly reached.

The winger has suffered from injuries in the past few seasons and has not built upon the excellent impression he initially made for Man United's youth teams.

He scored a hat-trick for the club's Under-18s against Liverpool two years ago and was so highly regarded that he trained with the first team under former managers Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal.

United coach Kieran McKenna, who is now one of Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer's assistants, described Gribbin as a "fantastic technician" to the Manchester Evening News.

Gribbin has been without a club since he was released by Man United when his contract expired at the end of June.

In other Sheffield United news, it can be REVEALED that Everton are plotting a move to sign 'the new Jamie Vardy'.