Blades agree Speed deal

Experienced midfielder set for Bramall Lane switch

By James Pearson   Last updated: 24th December 2007

Gary Speed Bolton

Speed: On the move

He's a very experienced player, a 'youthful' late 30's type whose knowledge will be invaluable to us.
Robson on Speed

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Sheffield United will sign Bolton's Gary Speed on loan in January with a view to securing a permanent move to Bramall Lane.

On Sunday the vastly-experienced midfielder confirmed he was looking for first-team football, a request Bolton have now granted.

The Blades looked to bag Speed on loan in November only to be rebuffed, however, manager Gary Megson has now allowed the 38-year-old to depart.

Speed will join United on January 1st and Bryan Robson has confirmed the former Newcastle and Everton man will go straight into the squad to face Wolves.

Pleased

"I am still pleased to get him now. He's a very experienced player, a 'youthful' late 30's type whose knowledge will be invaluable to us," Robson told the club's official website.

"He will come into the squad for Wolves and I have no doubt about his fitness levels. He was in Bolton's European team recently when they got a good result, and then against Liverpool, so he doesn't come here needing games to get going."

Robson confirmed he tried to land Speed earlier in the season and is delighted his persistence has paid off.

"I tried to get Gary before the season started but Bolton wouldn't release him, since then I spoke to Sammy Lee before deadline day, and then Gary Megson but got the same answer so it has been an ongoing thing," he concluded.