Britton Leaves Swans And Joins Sheffield United

Leon Britton has joined fellow Championship rivals Sheffield United after rejecting a new deal with Swansea City.

The popular midfielder has ended a 7-year spell at the Liberty Stadium, and while it's not a surprise he's left, it is a surprise that he's decided to join the Blades, instead of Premier League side Wigan Athletic.

Roberto Martinez looked almost certain to sign Leon Britton this Summer but reports suggest that the player had his doubts as the Wigan boss couldn't guarantee him regular football.

Doubts about Britton's future at the club started at the beginning of last season when he rejected to sign a new contract. Controversy then arose in April when the player revealed that his request to enter contract talks had been rejected by the board. Fans were frustrated by the decision as we had our best opportunity yet to keep one of key players.

Britton said:

'First and foremost this is a massive club,'

'I was here with Swansea for the penultimate one and the special atmosphere from that day is still fresh in my mind.'

Blades boss Kevin Blackwell revealed that he held talks with Britton before last season ended:

'It has been a protracted process because it started after we played Sheffield Wednesday in mid April when we had arranged to meet in the hotel and I began preliminary talks with him,'

'Leon is a player of real quality, the sort we have missed at this club since the days when we had Stuart McCall and Michael Brown in the middle of the park.'

The news comes as a huge blow to the club and we can't afford to lose another key midfielder in Darren Pratley, who's also attracted the interest of a number of Championship clubs.

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