Malta striker Michael Mifsud (photo) is reported to be close to clinching a good deal with English Premiership club Sheffield United.

With Bolton Wanderers and Coventry City appearing to have eased their interest in the former Lillestrom striker, Sheffield United are now in pole position to get the player’s services.

Sources close to the player confirmed to The Malta Independent on Sunday that United have made a good offer which consists of a lucrative signing-on fee and an attractive wage.

No agreement has yet been reached but Mifsud’s agent is thought to be waiting for a definite reply from Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock.

Meanwhile, Warnock has been given a £5million transfer kitty by the club’s board which he wants to spend on ‘English-style’ players.

He expects his targets, including Mifsud, to help the Blades retain their Premiership status this season.

“We’re meeting a few agents and talking about signings and we’ve talked to one player who we quite like, but I don’t think there will be too many (transfers),” Warnock said.

“We have to be looking at the next three or four months until the end of the season so we need to be looking at the English type of player if I’m honest.

“We’ll look everywhere. Premiership lads who aren’t getting in teams, top Championship players and if there are any gems below that level we’ll not say no.

“We’ve also been looking quite a lot abroad at the moment but we’re looking for the English mentality.”