United have completed the capture of David Cotterill alongside fellow new signings Matthew Spring and Justin Haber. Manager Kevin Blackwell had put Cotterill, on loan at the Lane for three months last season, at the top of his summer shopping list and he has now signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The Wales international, who can play up front or on the right wing, struggled to establish himself at the JJB Stadium but looks set to be a key player with United. Blackwell said: "He's only 20 and a full international. He has shown glimpses of the real potential that enabled Bristol City to sell him (to Wigan) for £2million. "David had set his heart on a move here, is prepared to look for a house in the area and we are showing the same commitment to bring him in." Luton midfielder Spring teams back up with Blackwell, who was his manager during a stint at Leeds in 2004. The 28-year-old has signed a year-long loan deal. Malta international goalkeeper Haber, formerly of Greek side Haidari, has signed a two-year deal.
Striker Luton Shelton has completed a £1million move to Norwegian side Valerenga IF. The Jamaican, who joined the Blades signed from Swedish outfit Helsingborgs IF for £1.85 million in January 2007, has struggled to force his way into the first-team at the Lane. United manager Kevin Blackwell said: "Luton wasn't exactly what I was looking for - he was a bit of a maverick. "This opportunity arose for him to play regularly and is just what he needs at this stage of his career." The 22-year-old international was restricted to just 21 appearances for the Blades last season, mainly from the substitutes bench, and scored four goals.
United have added to their squad by completing the signing of striker Darius Henderson from Championship rivals Watford for £2 million. He joins the Blades as a direct replacement for Rob Hulse, who joined Derby on Monday for £1.75million. Henderson, 26, has signed a four-year contract and the fee could rise depending on his achievements at Bramall Lane. Doncaster-born Henderson commented: "This is a great move for me, coming back home. I've met the lads and there is quality in abundance here.
Rob Hulse has joined Derby County for £1.75 million. T he former Blades hit-man has inked a three-year deal at Pride Park after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms. United reluctantly decided to let Hulse go after agreeing a fee with Derby. Injuries jinxed Hulse last season at the Lane, and he struugled to re-capture the superb form he showed prior to the injury he sustained at Chelsea in the Premier League. In total he made 53 appearances for United and scored 15 goals.
Chris Lucketti has left United to join Huddersfield Town. The 36-year old centre-back was granted a free transfer and has signed a two-year deal with the Terriers. He made 17 appearances for the Blades and we wish him well for the future.
Manager Kevin Blackwell has signed Sun Jihai and Greg Halford to strengthen his team for next season. China international Sun, 30, has signed a two-year deal after reaching the end of his contract at Manchester City, where he spent six seasons and made 130 league appearances. Sun's main strengths are his speed, physical strength, crossing and attacking forays down the wings. He is a highly versatile player, having played as a central defender, a holding midfielder, and on both wings. Sun is one of the most important players in the Chinese national team. Halford, 23, arrives at Bramall Lane on a one year loan from Sunderland, having finished last term on loan at Charlton Athletic where he made 16 appearances. He cost Sunderland £3.5 million last summer but failed to establish himself in Black Cats manager Roy Keane's team. Halford who stands a 6' 5'', is primarily a right-back and is most noted for his long throw-ins. He joined Colchester United's youth team in 2002 and made 150 appearances for the U's. He also spent time at Reading.