Update 12:40PM, Friday 19th April - It's been confirmed that Steve Simonsen has joined the Blades on loan for a month.
Kevin Blackwell said: "Ian Bennett is our recognised number two and I decided that with the position we are in we needed a new number one.
"It wouldn't be right to throw Mihkel in at this stage of his career - he is still learning English, never mind not having any senior games yet. If he was to make a mistake on his debut the fans would remember that and we don't want to damage his confidence straight away - he is basically one for the future.
"Steve Simonsen is a very good goalkeeper with a real presence and he was a big feature of Stoke's promotion to the Premiership. We are taking him for a month and will see what the situation is then.
"I have to thank Tony Pulis and Stoke for letting Steve out. They understand how difficult it is to get good players in on loan at this time because most clubs are involved in either promotion or relegation."
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Rumours are circulating that Potters shot-stopper Steve Simonsen is to replace Mark Bunn between the sticks at Sheffield United for the rest of the season. Bunn has had to return to Blackburn Rovers because Paul Robinson sustained an injury at his former club Tottenham Hotspur last week.
And, if reports are to be believed, Simonsen is on the verge of completing the loan move in time for Saturday's fixture against Doncaster Rovers. The 30-year-old was instrumental in Stoke City's rise to the Premier League, but City's signing of Asmir Begovic has left Simonsen twiddling his thumbs, with number one 'keeper Thomas Sorensen in fine form.
The Blades do have two goalkeepers contracted to the club. Veteran Ian Bennett and Estonian international Mihkel Aksalu are both fit and available, but are they ready for a turbulent play-off run in?
The signing of Simonsen is expected to be confirmed on Friday. He would join up with ex-team-mate Richard Cresswell, who has been in hot-from of late.
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