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Blades begin rebuilding with Sun Jihai and Halford

02/07/2008

Sheffield United have begun their restructuring ahead of the new Championship season with the double signing of defenders Sun Jihai and Greg Halford.

Former Manchester City man Sun Jihai has agreed a two-year deal at Bramall Lane after being released by the Premier League club at the end of last season – his sixth at Eastlands.

And Halford will join the Chinese player in the Blades' ranks for the 2008/09 campaign after agreeing terms on a season-long loan move from Sunderland.

The signings represent the first moves in the transfer market by United manager Kevin Blackwell.

And Halford, who spent time on loan in the Championship last season with Charlton Athletic, is hopeful that by continuing to build a good squad he could experience a promotion season at the club.

"Promotion is the main aim," he told the club's official website.

"This is a massive club, great set-up and good players. I'm looking forward to a tough season but promotion is definitely on the cards.

"If we can hit the ground running and get a few early wins we will be up there."

Halford will join his new team-mates for the start of pre-season training from tomorrow, while Sun Jihai is currently on international duty with China and will link up with the squad when he returns later this month.