Sheff Utd sign midfielder Hendrie

Hendrie had a spell at Stoke

Sheffield United have signed former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie on a free transfer, reports BBC Radio Sheffield.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who was at Villa Park for 13 years, spent much of last season on loan at Stoke City.

Hendrie heads to Bramall Lane after Blades manager Bryan Robson pulled out of a move for Thomas Gravesen.

"I would have liked to stayed in the Premier League but this is a big club and the chance to work with the manager was a big attraction," said Hendrie.

"I think I can learn a lot from him [Robson], he'll give me great advice.

606: DEBATE Good signing but he was at Stoke last year and didn't really prove his Premiership ability mattcki

"I've gone a bit stale over the last couple of years but I'm really excited by this new challenge and I'm confident we can be up there challenging for promotion."

Robson had hoped to persuade the Dane to join his Championship side from Scottish champions Celtic but gave up when Gravesen stalled on a decision.

"I wouldn't have thought it is going to happen now," Robson told the Daily Record.

"I was prepared to wait but I just don't think Thomas is too keen to come. I just don't think he can make his mind up and he has been stalling on things."