Sheffield United hand Wright his comeback opportunity

The former England goalkeeper was released by Ipswich Town during the summer and has been interesting several clubs.

He recently spent time training with Crystal Palace, whose manager George Burley was in charge at Portman Road when Wright was in goal, and American side San Jose Earthquakes.

The 32-year-old was also linked in the national media over the weekend with a possible switch to Hull City,

But it is the Blades who yesterday pounced to snap up a goalkeeper with a wealth of experience to his name.

Manager Gary Speed said: "We are delighted to be able to bring in someone of Richard's calibre."

Wright, who will be looking to depose Steve Simonsen as Speed's first choice goalkeeper, has signed a four-month deal at the Lane.

He started his career at Ipswich, where he helped the club into the Premier League and then qualify for the UEFA Cup after finishing fifth in 2001.

Wright, who made two appearances for England, joined

Arsenal that summer in a 6m deal but made just 12 top-flight appearances before being sold to Everton for 3.5m a year later.

After falling out of favour at Goodison Park, he spent a short time on loan at Southampton before being re-signed by Ipswich in 2008.

The Blades still have around 800 tickets remaining for Saturday's derby game at Leeds.

They were handed the full available allocation of 2,800 for the first return of former Leeds midfielder Gary Speed to Elland Road as a manager. Leeds officials are expecting the derby to attract a crowd of around 34,000 – comfortably the highest in the Football League this season.

Blades fans wanting to attend the fixture must buy tickets in advance with no cash admission to the visitors' seating areas in the South East corner or South Stand being available on the day.

Leeds's home game against Cardiff City on Saturday, October 23 has been brought forward from 3pm to 12.30pm on police advice.

Previous clashes between the clubs have been marred by violence and the away fans will collect their tickets from a service station on the M1 in an attempt to avoid further violence.