After a summer of speculation, Steve Simonsen has broken his silence to reveal that the Blades were always his favoured option, particularly after seeing how the new squad is being put together.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper, speaking after signing a two-year contract with United, quickly agreed terms after securing his release from Stoke City:

"I had a clause in my contract that allowed me to move on if I got the right offer and I activated that clause on Wednesday. Thankfully, Stoke did everything they could to help.

"I knew of United's interest when Paddy Kenny left but there wasn't much we could do about it until July came around and, thankfully, it has all happened so quickly," said a delighted Simonsen.

He becomes the fourth experienced player to arrive at the Lane during the summer, giving him every incentive to return to a much stronger and potentially more consistent outfit.

"This was my first choice, I know what the place is about and enjoyed it last season. It is a great club and I see no reason why the team can't improve on last season, after all, it is shaping up to be a well-balanced and settled squad with a heck of a lot of knowledge about the Championship.

"I have come to a club where I'm going to be playing football and it is an added bonus that it's at a club that has a real chance of promotion.

"Obviously I heard about 'Morgs' and 'Monty' renewing their deals, and Richard Cresswell agreeing to lengthen his contract.

"They are valuable players for any club and keeping them erases a lot of question marks. And the arrival of Leon Britton, Daniel Bogdanovic and Johnny Ertl should have given everyone a boost because they are well-regarded additions."

Simonsen played seven games during his loan spell at Bramall Lane last season, culminating in a solid and assured performance in the Steel City derby at Hillsborough in April.

"I've won promotion from the Championship before and other lads here have done the same so we have good experience.

"It is a tough league to get out of but, maybe, this is one of the best years to try and win promotion. There were two strong teams last season and they are out of it now, whilst the three to come down have got their various problems which opens the door for others.

"The red and white half of this city is fanatical about their football. They were gutted about not reaching the play-offs last season but there were problems and this season will hopefully be a lot smoother.

"We've got a very good squad coming into place and at the very least we are looking at the play-offs."