Nick Montgomery has re-signed for Sheffield United, the club announced today.

The 28-year-old midfielder with nearly 300 appearances for the Blades has signed a three year deal - the culmination of talks and negotiations with United chief executive Trevor Birch and chairman Kevin McCabe.

His decision to continue his career at Bramall Lane - he played his first senior game in October 2000 - follows that of skipper Chris Morgan and is seen as another significant development in the re-building of Kevin Blackwell's squad for next season.

Putting pen to papers ends weeks of speculation in the media about the future of the popular Leeds-born player who is the club's player of the year and shared the players' player of the year award.

Chief executive Trevor Birch said: "Nick is one of the players who, like Chris Morgan, we see as being part of the backbone of the squad for next season. He brings valuable experience for Kevin Blackwell and his contract signing is another significant step forward by the club as it seeks to mould a squad to mount a sustained challenge in the Championship."

Commenting on his signing, Montgomery, who emerged from the club's youth ranks, said: "It's great to have the contract talks sorted. I've had some special years with United and now I am focussed in looking forward to playing my part in getting the Blades back to the Premier League."