Blades missed out on Warnock

Neil Warnock has revealed he was close to signing Stephen Warnock.

The full-back moved to Blackburn earlier this week after falling down the pecking order at Liverpool.

However, The Blades also tried to take the 25-year-old to Bramall Lane before he opted to remain in the North West.

"We also had talks with Stephen Warnock after agreeing a fee of £1.5million along with Blackburn," said Warnock. "He's a good young, English player who warranted an offer.

"That was a disappointment but under the circumstances you can't blame him for choosing Blackburn. We're not at their level yet financially."

Warnock could still try to add to his United squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Two players he has secured the services of, Ahmed Fathi and Luton Shelton, have linked up with the club and Warnock is looking forward to having the pair at his disposal.

"I've liked Ahmed Fathi for a long time now because he's an old head on young shoulders, he'll be a good acquisition for us. He's a bright footballer and you don't win 40 caps for Egypt by the age of 22 without being a good footballer," he said.

"Luton is more of a gamble but we felt there was no one available in England who had blistering pace and the know-how to get goals. He'll give us something different with his pace and the ability to play over the top."

Meanwhile, Warnock has confirmed the club have made a contract offer to Keith Gillespie, despite the midfielder handing in a transfer request.

He added: "We've put an offer in writing now so his agent can't say we haven't. I don't know if he'll sign it but he won't be leaving this club during the transfer window.

"In all fairness to Keith he's played very well this year and has kept asking and asking for a new deal which he has warranted.

"We haven't been forthcoming so the club has some responsibility as well. We've offered him a new contract but if he turns it down then he'll be free to go. But this is his club - he needs us just as much as we need him."