The massive coup comes as the south Yorkshire club attempts to strengthen its links with Brazilian Giants Sao Paulo. Pele will also attend Sheffield FC's 150th anniversary game against Inter Milan at Bramall Lane on November 8. United director Simon McCabe told the club's official website:

"This is fantastic news for Sheffield United, all our fans, the city and, of course, Sheffield FC in their anniversary year.

"As a club we have made remarkable progress in the last few years and have become a truly international footballing organisation with links in China, Africa, the Caribbean and now South America. Pele's ears have been twitching about Sheffield United as we have developed our relationship with Sao Paulo.

"He has heard so much about United that he now wants to see the club first hand and at the same time take time out to visit the first soccer club in the world - Sheffield FC."