James Harper is the highest profile name to leave the Blades who have announced the list of players whose contracts are up this summer.

The former Reading midfielder made 33 league and cup starts after converting his initial loan to a full move in mid season.

Whilst Nick Montgomery and Gary Naysmith are both still in negotiations with United about renewing their contracts, eight others will be leaving the Club, including Glen Little and Henri Camara.

Defenders Jonathan Fortune and Derek Geary have fought back well to overcome injury, Maltese International goalkeeper Justin Haber is staying permanently at sister club Ferencvaros in Hungary, and Ian Bennett will also depart.

Striker Liban Abdi and midfielder Sam Wedgbury are released after featuring for the Reserves and picking up first-team experience whilst on loan at Ferencvaros.

Kevin Blackwell says: "I would like to thank all of them for what they have given Sheffield United and hope that they soon find other clubs.

"It is always sad to see long serving players leave, particularly when they have served us well, but we are rebuilding a squad that we hope will equip us for a promotion challenge and this will give us some leeway towards bringing others in."