Sheffield United: Marlon King signs deal for rest of season

Struggling Sheffield United have signed striker Marlon King on a deal until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old joins the Blades after leaving Birmingham City by mutual consent last month.

United manager David Weir told the club website he is confident the experienced King would add firepower to his squad.

"We have been lacking someone with his knowhow and his presence will take the pressure off the younger lads, whilst giving everyone a lift," the Scot said.

United have only managed four points from their opening seven games in League One and are looking to King to help them climb up the table.

"Marlon has recently played international football [for Jamaica], so although he hasn't played at club level this season we will be looking to introduce him as quickly as possible," Weir added.

After starting his career at Barnet in 1998, King has scored 166 goals in a total of 492 appearances with Gillingham, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Watford, Wigan Athletic, Hull City (loan), Middlesbrough (loan), Coventry City and latterly at Birmingham.

King was out of the game for more than a year after receiving an 18-month sentence in October 2009 for sexually assaulting a woman in a London club.