Lupoli makes loan move to Blades

Arturo Lupoli has already been part of one Championship promotion at Derby

Sheffield United have signed Italian striker Arturo Lupoli on loan from Fiorentina until the end of the season.

The ex-Arsenal youngster has impressed on loan at the Blades' Championship rivals Norwich City this season.

And Blades boss Kevin Blackwell told BBC Sheffield that that they have done well to get the talented 21-year-old.

"He was a big favourite at Norwich," said Blackwell. "I'm surprised we were able to prise him out. He's a box player who can get in behind people."

Brescia-born Lupoli joined Arsenal as a 17-year-old from Parma, the club where he learned his trade, in July 2004.

But he made his name in a season out on loan at Derby County, scoring 11 goals in 38 appearances (almost half of them from the bench) as the Rams were promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs.

He then returned to Italy to join Fiorentina. But he came back to England when he signed for the now sacked Glenn Roeder at Norwich. And his last league start ironically came at Bramall Lane on 10 January - four days before Roeder's sacking.

"He came here and did very well when we played Norwich three weeks ago," added Blackwell.

"And any of our fans who saw him play in that one won't be surprised we've signed him.

"I've looked around for a striker with a good record. He runs the channels and takes his chances. He's still only 21 and it's a great opportunity for the kid."