French defender Jean Calve watched the Blades play at Middlesbrough on Sunday and could join United in the next couple of days.

New manager Gary Speed confirmed that the 26 year old who is currently with Nancy was in the crowd and that negotiations are at an advanced stage:

"He will have a medical on Monday and could sign a season long loan in time to join us for training on Tuesday. Nyron Nosworthy did a job for us on Sunday but that is not really his position whereas Jean is an attacking full back, very good on the ball and is conducive to what we want - he could give us an extra dimension."

Calve played for the Blades at Notts County in pre-season and will become Speed's first signing if the deal goes through.