The Blades have snapped up promising Tranmere Rovers left-back Andy Taylor for an undisclosed fee.

The 23 year old England U19 and U20 International is a product of Blackburn Rovers Academy but after getting to the brink of the first-team went to Prenton Park in January 2008, following a loan spell.

He immediately claimed a regular place and clocked up 59 appearances, scoring two goals, whilst becoming a fans' favourite and a delighted Kevin Blackwell announced:

"Andy is still young enough to develop and we have been watching him for quite a while.
We regarded him as one of the best left-backs outside the Premiership and that is reflected by the fact that we beat several other Championship clubs to his signature."

Taylor, who will immediately join the United squad that flies out to Hungary on Thursday, left Blackburn of his own accord in order to fast-track his career progression.

"When I left Rovers I could have gone to Preston or Blackpool but chose Tranmere in order to get games and, hopefully, progress well enough to go back up the divisions," said Taylor, adding:

"This is a massive club, a great opportunity, and to be honest as soon as I heard of United's interest and the chance to come here and speak I had no hesitation - it was an easy decision to sign."

The Accrington born defender, who has signed a three year deal at Bramall Lane, has a good attacking instinct with ability to defend, first and foremost, but also get forward and put crosses in.

With Gary Naysmith sidelined until almost the turn of the year Taylor has the opportunity of filling his shoes and insists that he is here to make the position his own:

"I know that Gary is a very good player with a lot of Premiership experience but I have belief in my own ability. If the manager gives me a run in the team I am confident that I can stay there.