A United spokesman said the club had been reassured all personnel at the Chengdu Blades were safe.

The Blades have offered to give assistance to the ruling party in China to help victims of the disaster.

The city of Chengdu, capital of the Sichuan province, is just 50 miles from the epicentre of the earthquake.

United's plc chairman, Kevin McCabe, said: "Sheffield United Football Club would like to express deep sadness and sympathy to the thousands of people affected by the major earthquake in the Sichuan province of China.

"The Blades made instant contact with our sister club, the Chengdu Blades, and we are pleased to hear that all personnel are safe and well, with no major damage caused."

He added: "We will continue to liaise closely with the club and colleagues in Chengdu where we have built up a lot of links with the local community - and have contacted the government to offer our assistance in any way we can."

Sheffield United became the first foreign team to buy a Chinese club in January 2006.