Short made 20 appearances for the Blades last season.

The 38-year-old has been tempted out of retirement by Blades boss Neil Warnock and is close to agreeing a one-year deal at the club.

Warnock told BBC Radio Sheffield: "We're not going to use him in the friendlies, but I'm confident he'll come good in time for the new season.

"He's got a cool head, and his experience could be invaluable."

Meanwhile, Warnock admits the future of Geoff Horsfield remains uncertain.

The 32-year-old has made just one start for the Blades following his move from West Brom in February and has recently been linked with Coventry and Preston.

Warnock added: "I've had a couple of private conversations with Geoff about his future and we'll just have to wait and see.

"From what I've read in the papers there are about six clubs after him!

"It was disappointing for me last season because we won promotion and he hardly featured and it's bound to be upsetting for him.

"It depends now on whether he can put that disappointment behind him and move on and to be honest I just don't know at the moment "