Defender Lescinel links up again with Blades boss Wilson

Wilson, who had also been linked with Swindon winger Jon-Paul McGovern, introduced Lescinel to English football two years ago.

The 24-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Bramall Lane and becomes Wilson’s first signing since his appointment last month as replacement for Micky Adams.

His arrival will provide cover at left-back and centre-back.

“I know Lecs very well,” said Wilson. “He is very athletic with a terrific left foot and he is comfortable at both left-back and centre-back so he gives you good options.

“At times, I have seen flashes of a fantastic player – all he has lacked at times is a bit of consistency but most young players struggle with that,” he added.

“What we will see is an aggressive and competitive character and I am very much looking forward to working with him. He will thrive on the pressure and expectation and hopefully we will see we have got a very good player on our hands.”

Lescinel, who has one full international cap for Haiti, began his playing career in French football with Paris St-Germain but made only two appearances before moving to CS Sedan Ardennes.

He spent four months with Scottish club Falkirk in 2006 before returning to France to play for League Two side Guingamp.

In January 2009, he was offered a trial at Swindon by Wilson and duly secured a permanent deal. He was a regular in the side relegated to League Two last season.

“Coming to a bigger stage will, in my opinion, inspire him to do even better. He’ll feed off it,” insists Wilson. “He’s got the character to play here at Bramall Lane which is also important.”

The Blades employed loan signing Joe Mattock at left-back towards the end of last season but he has now returned to parent club West Bromwich Albion.

Left-back Andy Taylor will miss the start of the season as he continues his recovery from a cruciate knee injury.