SHEFFIELD, July 2, 2008 (AFP) - China international Sun Jihai has joined Sheffield United from Premier League side Manchester City, the English Championship club announced Wednesday.

The 30-year-old defender will arrive at Bramall Lane on a free transfer on a two-year deal after reaching the end of his contract with City, for whom he played for six seasons.

United also announced that manager Kevin Blackwell had signed another defender in Greg Halford, on a season-long loan from Premier League Sunderland.

The Blades were relegated from the Premier League two seasons ago and last term finished three points off the play-off places in the second-tier Championship.