Sheffield United chiefs insist they are keeping their options open over a managerial successor to Neil Warnock despite reports Bryan Robson is set for the job.

With plc chairman Kevin McCabe currently in America on business, the club are still mulling over a shortlist, although they admit they intend to appoint an experienced boss in Robson's mould.

Robson, who recently established a sports consultancy business he is believed to be loath to leave, refused to make any comment on the issue when approached on Friday.

Blades chairman Terry Robinson admitted that while three different shortlists were being drawn up, the likelihood was that the club would seek a boss with proven Championship-level experience.

Robinson told the Blades' official website, www.sufc.co.uk: "Broadly speaking we are looking at three lists, one containing the names of men with all the ideal qualities, another of up-and-coming younger managers, and then some from abroad to give us a wide choice of possibilities.

"We are working mainly from the first list and have had contact with some of the managers on it.

"We will progress from there when we have enough information and confidence to take things to the next stage.

"The time-frame for appointing is really to get everything sorted out as soon as possible.

"Kevin McCabe is currently in the USA, so we are doing the groundwork so that he can decide, possibly as early as next week."

Kenny Dalglish, Peter Reid and Dave Bassett have also been linked with the post.

But Robson is favourite, and is expected to link up with his former Manchester United associate Brian Kidd - currently first-team coach at Bramall Lane.