New deal for Gillespie

The 32-year-old, who joined United in 2005, was out of contract at Bramall Lane but has now - along with defender Chris Lucketti - been offered a new deal while young winger Ben Starosta has signed a two-year extension.

Blades chairman Terry Robinson told the club's official website, www.sufc.co.uk: "We would like to make offers to Chris and Keith and, although the new man might have different ideas, at this stage we felt that we should try and keep them."

Gillespie was hugely influential for the Blades in the first few months of last season but then received a four-game ban after being sent off against Reading in January and days later he handed in a transfer request.

The former Manchester United and Newcastle player did not return to the side until mid-March and was powerless to prevent the south Yorkshire club from dropping out of the Barclays Premiership, prompting the resignation of boss Neil Warnock.

Meanwhile, the Blades have released defenders Craig Short, Rob Kozluk, Alan Wright and goalkeeper Paul Gerrard as well as six of the club's youngsters.

Geoff Horsfield, Li Tie, David Sommeil, Jonathan Forte, Ian Ross and Mamadou Seck have been placed on the transfer list.

Robinson revealed the club has lined up a trial for Trinidad goalkeeper John Williams.