29th June United have signed French striker Christian Nade on a three-year deal. The 21-year-old has moved to Bramall Lane from French top-flight club Troyes where he had spent all of his career, bar a six-month loan spell with Le Havre. Nade has played alongside Manchester United's Patrice Evra and Jeremie Aliadiere, of Arsenal, in the France Under-21 squad. Nade commented: "It is a dream come true for me to come to England to play. I could have stayed in France and at Troyes but this is a great opportunity for me." Former Blades striker Laurent D'Jaffo has been assisting manager Neil Warnock in scouring the markets for new players following United's promotion. He described Nade as "a strong, quick, central striker, not your English targetman".

22nd June The Blades begin their return to the Premiership with a mouth-watering home game against FA Cup winners Liverpool on August 19. Their next two games sees them travel to London to face Tottenham on August 22 and then Fulham four days later. Premiership champions Chelsea visit Bramall Lane on on October 28 while Arsenal visit on December 30. United will entertain Manchester City on Boxing Day while they visit Middlesbrough on New Years Day. And Neil Warnock's men bring the curtain down on their season at home to Wigan on May 13.

14th June United have struck a deal to sign Preston defender Claude Davis ahead of their return to the Premiership. The Blades are to pay an initially undisclosed fee, although Preston claim they could eventually receive £3million from the 27-year-old Jamaican's switch to Bramall Lane. The international centre-back - who has made more than 100 appearances for North End since joining in July 2003 - has been widely regarded as one of the best defenders operating in the Championship. Preston chairman Derek Shaw commented: "This is a deal that the club could not afford to turn down. It is a very good deal for Preston North End and gives Claude the opportunity to go to the Premier League, which is what he has wanted all of his career. Once bids for Claude reached a certain level, it triggered a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to Premier League clubs." United have already added two defenders to their squad, and Davis will become the third. He will team up with former Preston colleague Chris Lucketti, who was a recent £250,000 capture from Deepdale, and former Manchester City player David Sommeil.

13th June Championship new-boys Southend United have signed defender Simon Francis from United for an undisclosed fee. The former Bradford trainee leaves the Blades for an undisclosed fee and has signed a three-year deal with the Shrimpers. Francis became acquainted with Southend boss Steve Tilson during their time together with England Under-21s. The versatile defender said: "Although Peter Taylor was the manager, Steve helped me out a lot and he seemed like a really nice guy when I was away with the Under-21s. It always helps that you have met the manager before you sign for a club and that was a big factor," Francis commented.

7th June United have called off their pre-season tour of China and will instead head off to Scotland. Neil Warnock's side have decided not to tour China because the World Cup has delayed the new season and the Blades want to avoid fixture congestion. The Blades open their pre-season campaign on 13 July with a game away at Worksop Town, before heading north of the border although dates and opposition have yet to be finalised.

3rd June Blades defender Chris Lucketti is relishing the prospect of Premiership football after completing his £250,000 move from Preston North End. The 34-year-old ended the promotion-winning season on loan at Bramall Lane with a view to a permanent move. Lucketti made three appearances for the Blades last season and has agreed a one-year deal from June 1. "I'm pleased to be joining United and teaming up with the gaffer (Neil Warnock) once more. I have really enjoyed my loan spell and I'm looking forward to having the chance to play in the Premiership next season," said Lucketti.

3rd June League One side Doncaster Rovers have completed the signing of striker Bruce Dyer on a two-year contract after he was released by United. The 31-year-old has played for six clubs and spent the second half of last season at Sheffield United, scoring once in five games as the Blades won promotion. He arrived at the Lane on a free transfer from Stoke CIty but was released at the end of the season by Blades boss Neil Warnock. Dyer, who began his career at Watford, has also enjoyed spells with Crystal Palace, Barnsley and Watford .

2nd June United have signed former Manchester City defender David Sommeil. The 31-year-old Frenchman, who was released by City at the end of last season, has signed a two-year contract with the Blades. Sommeil was signed for £3.4m from Bordeaux by former City boss Kevin Keegan in January 2003 but played only 17 games for the club last season. Sommeil told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I'm delighted to sign, and am impressed with what I have seen at Sheffield United and by manager Neil Warnock." Sommeil started his career with French minnows Saint-Lo before spells with Caen and Rennes, joining Bordeaux in 2000. "I am very keen to stay in England because the Premiership is the best league in Europe," added Sommeil. "I had the chance to sign for another club, but I signed for United because I like the fans and the gaffer."

1st June Blades defender Leigh Bromby is unlikely to be fit for the start of the Premiership season. Bromby is recovering after undergoing knee ligament surgery. Blades physio Dennis Pettit commented: "He's working really hard, he won't be far away from being ready for the first game of the season. "He had quite a nasty injury but he is making very good progress and we're looking at the end of August for when he'll be fully fit again."