Quinn commits to the Blades

Midfielder Quinn, 24, has followed the lead set by Chris Morgan, Nick Montgomery, and Richard Cresswell in committing his long-term future to the Blades.

With his existing deal due to expire next summer, the former Republic of Ireland under-21 had been linked with a move to Swansea City.

"This is great news for our fans because it is the final piece of the jigsaw in place after embarking on the mission of re-signing on longer contracts the core of experienced players who know the club," said Birch.

"It means that they – and us – can get on with the job without worrying what might happen at the end of the season, and that was an issue for us last time round.

"Stephen is a United player through and through, popular with the lads, and will help the new ones continue the settling-in process which all have started so well," he added.

"We are looking to build a squad that has experience and youth, is competitive and unified within, and can challenge for promotion. With a couple of additions to the defence, which we are working hard on, and with the help of a good crowd behind us, we feel that it is really taking shape."

Quinn said: "I am absolutely delighted to settle the deal and couldn't be happier here because I am so settled. All my family are here and love it to pieces. I have been here for seven years and the club is in my heart so there was no question I would not sign."

Rotherham United manager Ronnie Moore has signed right-back Dean Holden on a one-month emergency loan from Shrewsbury Town.

Holden, 30, will provide cover during the absence through injury of Dale Tonge and Johnny Mullins.

"With the two injuries that we have had it was vital that we got someone in," said Moore.