Saturday 24 January 2015 15:58, UK
Sheffield United have agreed a deal to sign John Brayford on a permanent basis from Cardiff City.
The 27-year-old defender, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bramall Lane, joins the Blades on a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Brayford became a fans' favourite during his loan stint in South Yorkshire, playing 20 games and scoring twice to help the club reach the FA Cup semi-finals and rise from the bottom of the Sky Bet League One table to finish seventh.
United manager Nigel Clough told the club’s website: “We are absolutely thrilled he is coming back permanently, John has been at the top of our list for a long time and our patience has finally been rewarded.
"There aren't very many loan players who galvanise a team and club like John did last season, simply by his actions on the field.
"John has made no secret of his desire to return to Sheffield United and as a club we have finally worn Cardiff City down and they accepted a bid.
“Russell Slade didn't want to lose John, he has been impressed with him since taking over at Cardiff, but he knew the situation and our admiration wasn't going to go away.
"We think it is money well spent,” added Clough. “We lost a important defender in Harry Maguire and now in John we feel we have gone a long way to replacing him, he might be a full-back but we think he will be worth every penny.
“If you had asked our supporters which one realistic player they would want us to sign I am sure they would have all said John and his signing gives us other options within the squad too."
