GARRY Flitcroft last night severed his ties with Blackburn Rovers and agreed to join Sheffield United on an 18-month contract.

The 33-year-old midfielder snubbed offers from Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United to join the Blades on a free and he's relishing the chance to work with Bramall Lane chief Neil Warnock.

"Man management means everything these days. I met Neil and he seems my type of man," said the former Rovers skipper.

"He's been chasing me for some time and I'd like to repay the faith he's shown in me by helping him get promoted to the Premiership."

Warnock added: "He brings leadership to the midfield. He's seen it all and done it all with Blackburn.

Flitcroft joined Rovers from Manchester City for £3.5million in March 1996, going on to make 281 appearances for the club, but he found himself frozen out of Mark Hughes' first team plans this term

Warnock added: "We tried to bring him here in November but he felt he could get back in the Blackburn team.

"It's now the right time to bring him here."

Hughes wished the midfielder well, saying that he had been the perfect pro, even when he was out of the side.

"Garry has been a great servant, a great captain, and a good leader on and off the field," said the Rovers boss.

"His attitude has always been first class, which is what you would expect from the club skipper."

Meanwhile, Manchester City have revealed Matt Jansen did not train with them yesterday, despite boss Stuart Pearce inviting him.

Jansen, 28, was thought to be keen to earn a permanent deal at City, but no reason has been given for his absence from their training at Platt Lane.

Bolton, Everton and Wigan are also thought to be interested in Jansen, who was released by Blackburn on Wednesday.