Sheffield United officials were today left red-faced after being forced to postpone the unveiling of new signing Matthew Kilgallon.

The Blades had called a press conference for 2pm at Bramall Lane, even confirming on the club website 'a significant signing' had been made.

However, shortly after 1.30pm the "embarrassed" Premiership club were forced to concede they had jumped the gun, and the official announcement had been put on hold.

United are refusing to confirm Leeds centre-back Kilgallon is the player who is still poised to sign for them, citing "procedure" as the reason behind the delay for the "unnamed player."

That is despite Kilgallon's car, with distinctive personalised number plate, parked up at Bramall Lane in full view of the media who had gathered at the ground.

It is understood United will pay Leeds £2million for Kilgallon, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Monday, and who is due to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract once the 'I's' have finally been dotted and 'T's' crossed.

Kilgallon will then become Warnock's first signing of the transfer window, and third from Leeds following the club's promotion to the Premiership, joining striker Rob Hulse and goalkeeper Ian Bennett.

The defender has made 95 appearances for Leeds since his debut in a UEFA Cup tie against Hapoel Tel Aviv just over four years ago.

Warnock has been desperate for defensive cover for captain Chris Morgan and record signing Claude Davis, and he sees Kilgallon as the player who fits the bill.

With money to spend on new players, Warnock is determined to sign another striker, with Preston's David Nugent his main target.

Initially handed £7million by the club's board, that figured has been boosted by a further £2million in the last few days.

Ade Akinbiyi returned to former club Burnley for £750,000 last week, while Paul Ifill today signed for Crystal Palace for the same amount.

It is believed United made a club record-breaking £6million bid for Nugent last week, only to be told by Preston he is not for sale at any price.

Warnock is seemingly unwilling to take 'no' for an answer as he seeks a striker to partner Hulse in attack and score the goals to keep United in the Premiership.

Another Leeds player in David Healy is on Warnock's list should he fail to prise Nugent away from Deepdale.