Crawley Town approach Sheffield United's John Pemberton

Crawley Town have reportedly asked Sheffield United for permission to speak to Academy director John Pemberton over their vacant managerial post.

The Reds are currently without a boss after Sean O'Driscoll left to take charge at Nottingham Forest last week.

They have already approached Dean Holdsworth about the possibility of succeeding O'Driscoll, but the Aldershot Town manager has decided to stay with the League Two outfit.

Now, according to Sky Sports News, Crawley have switched their attention to Pemberton, whose only previously first-team managerial experience was as Forest caretaker boss in 2009.

Pemberton has been in his current role at the Blades since May 2010, and led the club's youngsters to the Youth FA Cup final the following season.