PAUL SHAW was expected to complete his £75,000 move from Gillingham to Sheffield United after a medical at Bramall Lane today.

Under the terms of the deal, Gillingham receive £50,000 down plus the rest based on appearances. Last week the club rejected United’s offer of £50,000 for a player who is out of contract at the end of the season and and who had rejected fresh terms.

Chairman Paul Scally, who was in Las Vegas on business last week, sanctioned the deal on his return on Friday once United met his valuation of the 30-year-old.

Shaw cost Gillingham £450,000 when he moved to Priestfield from Millwall on July 4, 2000.

Shaw confessed he was leaving Gillingham with mixed emotions.

He said: “I just thought to myself that here are Sheffield United, a club third in Division 1, who want me. They are a big club and I’m 30 years old and maybe in a year or so this kind of opportunity will not come my way.

“United have a good chance of getting into the Premiership which won’t be easy because there is still a long way to go. But I was handed this chance and after a lot of thought I said to myself that it’s too good to pass up.

“I leave with a heavy heart because I’ve had such a great time here. I’ve really enjoyed myself at Gillingham.

"In fact I’ve never enjoyed my football as much in the three and a half years I’ve been at the club."