Since the collapse of the proposed move, Halford has been involved in two multi-million pound deals and struggled to adjust to life in the Premier League, but now has an opportunity to make up for lost time.

Halford will spend next season on loan from Sunderland where he is surplus to requirements after making just nine appearances in the last 12 months.

Reflecting on events two summers ago, 23-year-old Halford, said: "Neil Warnock (the Blades former manager) came in for me but Colchester were funny about it and didn't want me to go.

"It was another six months before I went to Reading, but I'm glad to be here now. It is flattering that I am highly regarded in a team that should be challenging for promotion."

The Blades also announced the capture on a two-year contract of former Manchester City midfielder Sun Jihai – the third Chinese international to join the club since links were established in the Far East.

Whether he will have any bigger impact than Hao Haidong or Li Tie (who both stayed two years without playing a league game) remains to be seen.