Steve Simonsen has signed a two year contract with the Blades and put in place an important block in Kevin Blackwell's team rebuilding plans.

The 31 year old goalkeeper put in an impressive seven game loan stint at the Lane at the back end of last season which put him right in the frame after Paddy Kenny's unexpected exit.

"It is very hard replacing a top class goalkeeper but I think we have done that. Last season he not only impressed the players and the staff but also the fans which is important.

"We dropped points early on through being caught unawares but Steve has proved experienced and reliable which is just what we need right now."

The United manager has insisted that there were other potential targets but that his new acquisition had staked a firm claim:

"It is about ticking boxes in the squad, and getting in a quality goalkeeper has now definitely been ticked."

Chief Executive Trevor Birch explained that Simonsen's capture had eventually been made possible owing to a clause in the keeper's contract with Stoke City that allowed him to leave the Potteries club for free before his contract ran its course.

Simonsen's signing brings Blackwell's recruits so far to four, following the arrival of Leon Britton, Daniel Bogdanovic and Johnny Ertl.