More talks as Robson bids to lure Stelios to the Lane

Boss Bryan Robson, whose side travel to MK Dons in the second round of the Carling Cup this evening, plans talks with the Greece international before kick-off at stadium:mk before booking another round of negotiations as he attempts to convince Stelios to step down to the Championship.

Robson has already agreed a provisional deal with the Premier League club to take the 33-year-old until the end of the season, but admits his target is not enamoured by the prospect of turning his back on the game's elite.

However, the United manager - who is also understood to be on the look-out for a new fitness coach if, as expected, Tony Daley's departure is confirmed later this week - has already prepared a 'hard sell' to ensure he captures his No 1 transfer target.

"I'll tell him about the ambition here," Robson said. "And I'll let him know not only what we want to achieve here but also what we are capable of achieving."

Should a deal for Stelios fail to materialise, Robson will be encouraged that other possibilities are starting to materialise as clubs look to fine-tune their squads before the forthcoming deadline for permanent signings.

Thomas Gravesen, the Celtic midfielder who snubbed United's lucrative offer to move south, has been told by the Scottish champions that he is free to leave Glasgow as Gordon Strachan's dispute with the Dane threatens to boil over.

Jordan Robertson, one of the most promising graduates of United's youth academy, has joined Dundee United on loan after impressing Robson during pre-season.

The move to the SPL is designed to sharpen his talents ahead of a push on the first team at Bramall Lane.

Meanwhile, United are poised to unveil their new fitness coach later this month after Daley's no-show during Saturday's victory over West Bromwich Albion.

Daley had taken charge of United's physical preparations for the previous game against Watford but failed to appear on the touchline at the weekend and is understood to have parted company with the club. Preview: P46