Kilgallon could eventually cost Sheffield United �2m

The England Under-21 international has signed a three-and-half year contract in a deal which could increase to �2m.

"Playing in the Premiership is what I've always wanted to do." Kilgallon told BBC Radio Sheffield.

While Blades boss Neil Warnock said: "We offered more in the summer, so it's a good piece of business. Sometimes you are rewarded for patience."

He gives us a bit more quality, and that's what we are trying to do Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock

Kilgallon was a product of the Leeds United Academy and played 95 times for the Elland Road outfit and also had a loan spell at West Ham.

And the defender added: "This is a big opportunity for me in the Premiership. I'm here now and I'm really excited about it.

"I've played well in the Championship, but now this is a step up, so I have got to prove myself.

"I played a few games in the Premiership when I was younger and I did OK, but now I have to show what I can do all over again.

"I'm 23 today, and now I want to establish myself as a good, young defender in the Premiership. I want to do as well as I can."

And Warnock said that his new signing - the first of the January transfer window for the Blades - would relish the challenge of making a first-team place his own.

"He is the type of boy that fits into the squad. He is a nice lad, but not too nice on the pitch, which is what we want," added the Blades boss.

"I think we'll bring the best out of him. He'll enjoy playing with us, and the squad will enjoy having him around.

"He gives us a bit more quality, and that's what we are trying to do. We're trying to improve the squad.

"He still knows he has a job on his hands to establish himself at this level, but that's a great challenge for somebody like him."