Bolton's Speed may be fast-tracked to Sheffield United

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• More Bolton news

The clubs have reached an agreement that will see the former Wales international in contention for the Blades' fixture at Wolves on New Year's Day.

The 38-year-old had earlier admitted he may have to leave the Reebok Stadium in order to prolong his career because of a lack of first-team opportunities under Gary Megson.

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Veteran: Gary Speed's days at Bolton may be numbered

Speed had been linked with a move to Bramall Lane earlier this season and United manager Bryan Robson told the club's official website, www.sufc.co.uk: "I tried to get Gary before the season started but Bolton wouldn't release him.

"Since then I spoke to (former manager) Sammy Lee before deadline day and then Gary Megson but got the same answer so it has been an ongoing thing."

Robson added that he had tried to sign Speed while he was manager at Middlesbrough during which time the player was at Everton and Newcastle but failed.

"He was in a very successful side then and was on big money but I am still pleased to get him now.

"He is a very experienced player, a 'youthful' late 30s type whose knowledge will be invaluable to us."

Speed is the only player to have made more than 500 Premier League appearances and his experience will be invaluable for the Blades who find themselves struggling in 14th despite being tipped as candidates for promotion.

Robson continued: "He will come into the squad for Wolves and I have no doubt about his fitness levels.

"He was in Bolton's European team recently when they got a good result and then against Liverpool, so he doesn't come here needing games."

The former Leeds player joined the Trotters in July 2004 and made 115 league starts and last featured in the 4-1 defeat of Wigan on December 9.