TRANMERE manager John Barnes stepped up the search for new recruits last night after Andy Taylor completed a move to Sheffield United.

The 22-year-old joined the Blades for an undisclosed fee. Some of the revenue from the sale is likely to be allocated to help Barnes strengthen the Rovers squad for the League One campaign that starts in just over three weeks time.

The former Liverpool and England winger is looking to add a goalkeeper, a right-back and a centre-back to a group of 15 players currently signed on professional forms.

Barnes said: “It was a good offer from Sheffield United and we decided to allow Andy the chance to move to a higher level.

“We’re still looking to add to our squad ahead of the season and are talking to a number of clubs about loan and permanent deals.

“I’d like to wish Andy all the best for his future career.”

Barnes says he hopes to have a goalkeeper signed by the time Tranmere play Championship side Preston North End in a pre-season friendly at Prenton Park on Saturday.

The move to a Championship club keeps Taylor on course in the career journey he mapped out for himself just over 18 months ago.

Taylor says he decided to cut his ties to home-town club Blackburn in January 2008 because he saw little prospect of breaking into the Premier League side at Ewood Park after four seasons of youth and reserve team football.

He added: “When I left Blackburn, I could have gone to Preston or Blackpool but chose Tranmere in order to get games and, hopefully, progress well enough to go back up the divisions.

“Sheffield United is a massive club, a great opportunity, and to be honest as soon as I heard of their interest and the chance to come here and speak I had no hesitation. It was an easy decision to sign.

“I really enjoyed my time at Tranmere but this move was a great opportunity for me.”