Blades land Unsworth

Sheffield United have swooped to sign experienced defender David Unsworth.

The stopper was deemed surplus to requirements by Portsmouth and Warnock stepped in after it became clear that Ipswich could not finance a deal.

Unsworth has amassed a wealth of experience during a career which has seen him turn out for Everton, West Ham, Portsmouth and Ipswich and he will look to add a steadying influence to the Blades squad.

The 31-year-old has been handed a three-year contract, with Warnock looking for the defender to lead the club to The Premiership.

"I'm delighted to have someone like David as part of my squad," Warnock told the club's website. "His experience will be invaluable to the squad, as will the fact that he can play in a number of positions.

"He had options to join other clubs but he has seen the start we have made and wants to go straight back to The Premiership with us."

Unsworth is champing at the bit to kick-start his career at Bramall Lane.

"The move has been on the cards for a while and it was just a matter of sorting out the details. I can't wait to get started," said Unsworth.

Another player to sign with The Blades is central midfielder Shane Hill after he agreed to join the club's youth academy.

The youngster is the son of former England midfielder Ricky Hill.