JAMES Hanson is set to be unveiled as a Sheffield United player today as City keep tabs on a German goal machine.

Hanson’s six-figure move to the Blades is expected to go through in time for him to be involved in Chris Wilder’s squad against fourth-placed Fleetwood tomorrow night.

The departure of the club’s third highest scorer will intensify City’s hunt for attacking reinforcements before the end of the transfer window.

That search has included 29-year-old Anton Fink, top scorer in the Bundesliga’s third tier.

It is understood an offer has been tabled for the prolific 5ft 7in Chemnitzer striker, who has netted 11 goals in 15 games this season. He has scored 85 from 180 in total during his five years at the club.

Fink, whose contract has another year to run, has confirmed City’s approach to German media and indicated he would be interested in talking to them.

Carlisle’s 17-goal Charlie Wyke is another striker understood to be on the radar but the Bantams have rubbished speculation that Leon Clarke, who is currently injured, could be heading from Bramall Lane as part of the Hanson switch.

Hanson was not involved in City’s 1-1 draw with Millwall as Stuart McCall gave him some “thinking time” about leaving the club where he has played 335 games in eight years, scoring 91 goals. Further talks to seal an agreement took place yesterday.

McCall said: “His agent maybe had a good package put forward for him to go. It’s a bit of security and we’ve not offered him a deal (at the moment).”

Hanson’s late withdrawal from the squad meant a reshuffled team for the City chief, who was pleased with how they responded against the last visiting League One side to win at Valley Parade.

Midfielder Josh Cullen felt the team displayed unity in the circumstances.

Cullen said: “Hans hasn’t been about, that’s the only thing that has changed.

“All we can work with is what’s in the dressing room. We were unlucky not to go on and win the game.

“With Hans not being there, there are no problems with the other lads who’ve not been playing or the change of system.

“We’ve got a good squad and we’re confident everyone can step in and do a good job.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. So all we could do was focus on the game and not worry about who’s coming in or might be going.

“We’ve got to stick together strong as a group and we did that. Put everything else to the back of our minds.”

Leaders Sheffield United remain hot favourites for promotion despite scrambling to a 2-2 home draw with Gillingham. Hanson’s capture will boost a list of forward options that includes Billy Sharp, who has netted 18 goals in 28 league outings, and former City loanee Marc McNulty.

Wilder said: “We’re not in the market for £1m and £2m players any more. Things have changed and those days have gone.

“It’s a difficult window because of the prices people are putting on players but we’ll approach it properly and work, as we always do, as best we can.”

Billy Clarke is set to make his first start since mid-November in City’s Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final at Oxford tomorrow. The Irishman impressed coming off the bench against Millwall.

But City are monitoring the extent of Matt Kilgallon’s discomfort after the defender’s shoulder popped out early in the game.