Halford, who has arrived from Sunderland on a season-long loan and Jihai, a free transfer following his release by Manchester City, will meet their new teammates for the first time this morning after formally agreeing terms at Bramall Lane yesterday.

Blackwell told The Star that a winger is now his number one target.

"We've got two players at opposite ends of the spectrum," Blackwell, who also offered goalkeeper Ian Bennett a one-year deal on Monday, said.

"Greg is a young lad but he's already shown that he's a proven performer at this level and he'll be a valuable acquisition. He's versatile and he'll give Derek Geary extra competition at right-back but he can push on if required.

"Sun Jihai is vastly experienced and, importantly for me, he's played in this country for the last nine or so years and knows what it's all about.

"I'm well aware that the club have brought in Chinese players in the past who, for one reason or another, haven't been able to handle the demands of the English game.

"That's not the case with Sun Jihai because he's appeared consistently and at Premier League level under a variety of different managers.

"I've spoken to all of them and they all rate him highly; especially in that holding midfield role.

"One of them told me that if he was working in the Championship he'd sign him straight away, so that tells you everything."

With sources at the Stadium of Light indicating last night that there is no substance to reports linking United's James Beattie with a move to Wearside, Blackwell will now turn his attention to recruiting a winger capable of providing the former England striker with the ammunition to continue his exploits in front of goal.

Wigan's David Cotterill, who spent three months on loan at United last season, is scheduled to hold further talks with Blackwell over the weekend while another ex-loanee, Manchester United's Lee Martin, has made no secret of his desire to return.

Blackwell added: If I can't get the wide man that I want then I won't panic because I'm already well-stocked with quality.

"Stephen Quinn did terrifically well towards the end (of last season) and Greg can slot in there too."

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