Dalian Shide defender Zhang Yaokun has joined Sheffield United on loan until the end of the English Championship season.

Zhang, 24, returned to reigning China Super League champions Dalian in the close season after a year at Chengdu-based side Sichuan Guancheng.

He completed his loan move to Sheffield United on Wednesday after being recommended to the club by former Dalian legend Hao Haidong, who famously joined the Blades for a pound early last year, and after impressing United coach Neil Warnock during a trial in December.

Negotiations for Zhang almost stalled after Dalian slapped a £1m price tag on their Chinese international defender, but a loan deal worth around £70,000 finally went through, with Sheffield United retaining an option to sign the player on a permanent contract at the end of the season.

United, who recently took a majority stake in China League outfit Chengdu Wuniu, have signed Zhang to increase their visibility in the Middle Kingdom.

(Sinosoc.com January 12, 2006)