Blades boss Kevin Blackwell splashed out £3m of the cash from the £10m double sale of Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton to bring in striker Evans on a three-year deal.

And on a day of arrivals at Bramall Lane, United also nipped in to lure winger Ryan France away from city rivals Wednesday and brought in Keith Treacy on a six-month loan from Blackburn Rovers.

Former Hull City winger France has been on trial with the cash-strapped Owls this month, even going with them on a pre-season tour of Malta, and then scoring for them on Tuesday evening at Hartlepool.

That display impressed watching Blades scouts and they jumped in with an offer for France, who rejected a rival Owls contract which was on less money.

Wales striker Evans needed little persuading of leaving Eastland for Bramall Lane after seeing his route blocked to first-team football in Manchester by the multi-million pound arrivals of strikers Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz.

"There's still things to be proved, it was frustrating at Manchester City," said Evans.

"I've taken a step down to improve and I can't wait to get going and scoring goals.

"There were a few clubs interested in me and I had a big decision to make but this is the right one, the club has got Premiership facilities and the lads are great. At City it was so frustrating, you were so hyped up to play and couldn't get on. I couldn't handle it any more and had to get out."

Blackwell was delighted with his triple swoop, and announced the Blades had also agreed a two-year deal with Leigh Bromby – who was on loan at Bramall Lane last season.

"It has been like waiting for a bus – none come then three do all at once, but I think they are three good signings," said Blackwell.

"Ched has seen the ambition of this football club and wants to play a big part in it. He has played on a big stage at Manchester City and a measure of how he is rated was illustrated by the quality of opposition bids from rival clubs.

"He is well-thought of and right up to last night one of the clubs was still trying to nick him from us. He must have found it a great experience playing alongside the likes of Robinho at City, but now is the time to start playing regularly at a good level.

"He is still young but no shrinking violet, and is a very gregarious outgoing lad."

While 20-year-old Evans – who scored 10 goals in 20 starts for Norwich City in the Championship two seasons ago – has been a long-term target for Blackwell, the signing of France came as a surprise.

The Sheffield-born winger, who played for Wednesday up until he was 16, looked destined for a return back to his boyhood club after three weeks on trial with Brian Laws's side but the Hillsborough club's financial problems meant they could not compete when the Blades came calling.

"I'm a Sheffield lad, I want to play for a Sheffield team and fortunately I've achieved that," said 28-year-old France, who spent six seasons at Hull, and was involved in three promotions with the Tigers.

"Brian Laws has been as good as gold with me. On Monday he spoke to my agent, after doing well there, and said 'listen. we have got no money'. He actually said if another club comes in then you would be foolish not to go.

"Wednesday did eventually make me an offer, but it wasn't in comparison to what Sheffield United made. There's always talks of Sheffield Wednesday getting a takeover, whether that will happen or not you don't know, but I have got a really good feeling this club is going back in the Premier League and I want to be with them when they do."

Blackwell spoke to Hull counterpart Phil Brown before moving for the versatile France, who was praised for his levels of consistency.

"Aa a Sheffield lad he is pleased to be back home and he has already fitted in well with the lads," said Blackwell. "I must admit that we had him watched whilst he was on trial at Sheffield Wednesday, and it was nice of them to get him fit for me."

The third arrival, 20-year-old Treacy, is a Republic of Ireland Under-21 regular, but has found himself on the sidelines at Ewood Park under Sam Allardyce.

He has come initially on loan until January, but is hoping to secure a permanent move.

"I didn't need much persuading to come here, it is a Premiership club in my eyes," said Treacy, who has made 10 starts for Blackburn.

"It's for six months originally but in my eyes I'm looking at it being even longer. I need to be playing, getting match fitness and hopefully I can impress here."

The quartet join summer signings Kyel Reid, Lee Williamson and Andy Taylor at the Lane.