Sheffield United snap up Nosworthy

The move went through as Sunderland manager Steve Bruce finalised his deal to take Wigan Athletic defender Titus Bramble to the Stadium of Light for 1m.

Nosworthy, 29, spent the final three months of last season on loan with the Blades and manager Kevin Blackwell is delighted to have brought him back.

"We made no secret of the fact that we were looking for defenders, and that Nyron was a high priority," said Blackwell. "Whilst we were – and still are – monitoring other alternatives, he fits the bill in every way, not least because we know what he can do and he fitted in well."

Blades coach Gary Speed, meanwhile, insists there are no hard feelings over his club's decision to block a possible move into management with Swansea City.

The Welsh club were denied permission to talk to Speed earlier this month and have subsequently appointed former Watford and Reading manager Brendan Rodgers.

"I've made no secret about wanting to go into management eventually, but I'm 40 now and I've got a lot of time to do that," said Speed. "The club refused permission for me to talk to Swansea and that's fine. I'm under contract here, I respect the club's decision, and that's it.