Sheffield United braced for transfer disappointment as Londoners confident of hijacking deal

As late as last week, United were confident of completing a deal for the Wigan Athletic defender after having a bid accepted by the League One club’s administrators.

But officials at Craven Cottage are now briefing Robinson is set for west London instead, where he has reportedly been offered wages of around £50,000 a week.

Although the development, if confirmed, will disappoint Wilder, he is also likely to be unimpressed by the fact the player appears to have been swayed by money rather than his career development prospects.

Fulham were promoted back to the top-flight via the play-offs last term, while United challenged for a place in Europe before eventually finishing ninth in the Premier League.

Robinson, aged 23, started his career with Everton before joining Athletic following a spell on loan. He also completed a spell with Bolton Wanderers after progressing through the youth system at Goodison Park, choosing to represent that USA at international level after qualifying because of his American father.

He made his debut for the USMNT in 2018, completing the full 90 minutes of a friendly game against Bolivia.

United are understood to have held preliminary talks with Robinson after first approaching Athletic earlier this month and having a bid, believed to be in the region of £1.9m, accepted for the left-back, who was also attracting interest from West Bromwich Albion.

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