The Blades have beaten off strong competition to snap up exciting wing prospect Kyel Reid upon his release from West Ham United.

Kevin Blackwell has bolstered his attacking options with further emphasis on emerging young talent from the Premiership, and Reid was much in demand after spending the closing months of last season on loan at Wolves for whom he scored their Championship winning goal at Barnsley.

The 21 year old Londoner, who passed his medical today, once enjoyed a lengthy loan spell at Oakwell as well as at Crystal Palace and Blackpool, all of which promoted competition for his services.

The move is the first between the Blades and West Ham since the Tevez affair and the way in which it has been conducted has typified the professional and friendly spirit that exists between the two.

Despite his opportunities being limited at Upton Park Reid has proved a dangerous and tricky opponent on loan in the Championship and clocked up almost 50 league starts in the top two divisions.

Blackwell has made two major strides towards strengthening his midfield with the arrival of Reid and Lee Williamson following the exit of several first team squad members earlier this summer, and expects the pair to bring extra pace and experience to the Lane.

An England International at U17, U18 and U19 levels, Reid's pedigree was formed through his development in the Hammers' acclaimed Academy system and he made the West Ham first team squad at just 18 years of age.

Now his switch to United will provide him with the stage on which to fulfil the talent that made him such an emerging star.