Blades swoop for Premiership pair

Sheffield United have made their first summer signings by snapping up Greg Halford from Sunderland and Manchester City utility player Sun Jihai.

Defender Halford, 23, joins on a season-long loan, while Sun, 30, has agreed a two-year deal at Bramall Lane.

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I've known Greg for a long time, he's a terrific athlete and dangerous at set plays.

"Sun Jihai will be joining us next week. He gives us versatility."

Interview: Greg Halford on joining Sheffield Utd

Sun was out of contract at Eastlands after spending six seasons with the club.

It's going to be a tough season but promotion is definitely on the cards Greg Halford

Halford only joined the Black Cats from Reading last summer but struggled to make an impact at the Stadium of Light and had a loan spell with Charlton last season.

He told BBC Radio Sheffield he wants to get back into the Premiership with the Blades.

"Promotion is first and foremost, it's a massive club with good players here," he said.

"It's going to be a tough season but promotion is definitely on the cards."