Ambition of Tykes made clear with capture of Serbia's Lovre

The former Anderlecht player, 28, was available on a free transfer

after leaving Dutch side FC Groningen ths summer.

Although he has played for Serbia's Under-21 side and represented his country at the Olympics, he has no full international caps.

Robins said: "Goran will be a great addition to the squad and will give us something extra going forward and will also get us goals. Beating off the interest from other clubs in the Premier League and Championship highlights we are ambitious."

Lovre is the third new arrival of the summer at Oakwell following the capture of Wolves defender Jason Shackell and Motherwell winger Jim O'Brien.

Sheffield United chief executive Trevor Birch says the club have made improved offers to keep midfielders Nick Montgomery and Stephen Quinn.

Montgomery is out of contract and wanted by Leeds United while Quinn, who has 12 months left, is a target for Swansea City.

The Blades are still locked in talks with goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, who has been the subject of a failed 750,000 bid from Neil Warnock at QPR.

Scottish international Gary Naysmith has yet to decide whether he will stay on vastly reduced terms and striker Richard Cresswell has been offered a contract extension.

Sheffield Wednesday have denied reports that prospective investors Club 9 Sports have submitted a new offer to take control at Hillsborough.

The Owls rejected an initial offer from the Chicago-based company this month because it valued the club at only 2m and would have involved management fees of 420,000 a year.

Boxing promoter Dennis Hobson, who failed previously in attempts to get on the Owls board, has thrown his hat into the ring as a prospective investor while supporters group Wednesdayite are also seeking to assemble a consortium of local businessmen with a view to providing financial help.