Blades sign four

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock today completed an astonishing transfer swoop by signing four players.

Warnock earlier acclaimed Barry Hayles as “the jewel in my crown” after the 32-year-old agreed to join the Blades on a free transfer from Fulham, putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Hayles will officially move to Bramall Lane on July 1, and will now be joined by centre-back Leigh Bromby and midfielder Alan Quinn from Sheffield Wednesday, along with winger Andy Liddell from Wigan.

Hayles is the key acquisition, agreeing to sign for United despite interest from Leeds, and newly-promoted West Brom and Norwich, as Warnock said: “He’s a striker of proven quality and one I know will be able to bring something to our side.

“He has demonstrated he can score goals and will give us the edge up front we need, so to say I am delighted is an understatement.”

Warnock has long been looking for a midfielder to replace Michael Brown, who joined Spurs in January, and in Quinn he feels he has found a player to fill the void, while Bromby and Liddell he believes “have things to prove”.

“I think Alan and Leigh have been treading water for the last 12 to 18 months,” said Warnock.

“The change of club will do both of them good and give them the gee-up they need to change and I don’t feel they will have a problem moving across the city because Sheffield Wednesday have released them.

“I will be looking to Alan to take the pressure off Michael Tonge and in some ways to replace Michael Brown, while Leigh I still think is of an age to make an impact.

“As for Andy, he has quality on the ball at set-plays and crosses which will make him a very influential member of the squad. His non-stop enthusiasm and drive will, I am sure, make him very popular.”