'˜No-brainer' says James Wilson after making switch to Sheffield United

Chris Wilder has made a third signing of the summer with the capture of central defender James Wilson. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

The 27-year-old Chepstow-born defender, capped by Wales in 2013, rebuffed interest from several clubs including Shrewsbury Town, Rochdale and Leyton Orient and turned down a new deal at Boundary Park to join Chris Wilder’s Blades’ crusade - signing a two-year deal.

He admits that joining the club was a no-brainer and after batting against relegation with the Latics last term, he is keen to sample a different type of intensity and pressure at the other end of the table with United.

Wilson said: “There are different pressures involved. Last season, we had to win every game to stay up. If we didn’t then we knew we’d be relegated.

“If the team is winning games, then it should be more enjoyable but the principle, having to win every single game, is still the same here. Just for different reasons hopefully.

“Bramall Lane is quality, the fans are quality too. It’s going to be different playing in front of 20,000 rather than four, but I am looking forward to it, definitely. I don’t know a footballer who wouldn’t be.”

On joining the Blades, he added: “Anyone who gets the opportunity to come here would jump at the chance.

“Over the last few days, I have seen the difference in the facilities and also the training.

“It is different class. It was an easy decision to make.”

Wilson is Wilder’s third close-season buy, following the earlier captures of Chris Hussey and Mark Duffy.

A bid has also been submitted for MK Dons centre-half Kyle McFadzean.