United have completed the signing of French full-back Jean Calve on a season-long loan.

Calve, 26, joins from AS Nancy in France's top flight and could be considered for Saturday's home encounter with Preston North End.

After clinching his first signing as Blades manager Gary Speed said:

"I am glad that we have got this one in the bag because we have seen so many triallists and it has been a long process getting what we think is the right one in.

"Jean not only adds to our squad strength but has attacking qualities that we want and think that we can accommodate in the team.

"With Nyron Nosworthy starting his season yesterday and Stephen Jordan approaching full fitness our defensive strength is improving considerably."

Calve, who watched Sunday's game at Middlesbrough and also played a trial game for the Blades at Notts County earlier in the summer, said:

"I'm very happy to be here and proud to be the new manager's first signing. It has taken longer than I would have hoped to finalise the deal between the clubs but I'm looking forward to a new challenge with this being my first time outside France.

"I know enough English to get by on the pitch at the moment but I want to learn more. I am the only Frenchman at the club so I will have to speak English all the time which will help."

The right-back spent last season on loan at Grenoble and has also played for Lorient, Mans and Sochaux in his homeland.

In addition, Calve is a former graduate of the French Football Federation's Clairefontaine school and has also represented France at junior level.