Robson refuses to give up on Gravesen
BRYAN Robson remains hopeful of luring Thomas Gravesen to Bramall Lane despite claims from the Celtic midfielder's agent that his client will not contemplate the prospect of Championship football.
Gravesen - whose Parkhead teammate, Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe, will earn a move to South Yorkshire if he impresses against Alfreton Town this evening - is the Sheffield United manager's top transfer target as he looks to build a squad capable of regaining Premier League status at the first attempt.
Earlier this week, agent John Sivebæk claimed that Gravesen's first preference was to stay north of the border and fight for his place before hinting that his fellow Dane was more likely to sign for a top-flight club in the event of his departure from Glasgow.
But Robson, whose side opened their pre-season account with a 2-0 victory over Worksop Town last night, insisted: "We have had discussions with Celtic and we have made them what we consider to be a good offer for their player.
"I haven't seen what his (Gravesen's) agent has been saying.
"Both Thomas and Celtic know what the situation is and it's now up to them and the player to decide if they want to accept.
"So, yes, I am still hopeful of bringing him here."
Robson also used the match at Sandy Lane to dismiss speculation linking him with West Bromwich Albion striker Kevin Phillips.
Danny Webber celebrated his return to action by scoring United's opener from the penalty spot before Chris Lucketti added a second after the interval.
Robson said: "There's nothing in the Kevin Phillips stuff - it's a non-starter.
"He's a good player but Danny gives me similar movement and I've got younger players already here who can also do the same thing.
"I thought Danny looked really lively (against Worksop)."
Robson had pencilled in Billy Sharp, the former United trainee he signed from Scunthorpe earlier this month, for a starting role at the Impact Arena tonight, but a thigh strain means the prolific youngster will be wrapped in cotton wool until the trip to Ireland later this week.
One player certain to feature is Perrier-Doumbe who, according to Robson, has impressed in training after his move from Rennes to the SPL Champions collapsed under the pressure of red tape.
"I'll play Jean-Joel because I want to see him in a match situation and then I'll make up my mind.," he confirmed.
"He's looked very good in training - very impressive - but I want to watch him."
) and apparently other day Graverson looked set to join, but it now looks very unlikely.
