Sheffield United: Derby's Paul Coutts & Kieron Freeman join

Paul Coutts was out for a year from October 2013 because of a knee injury

Sheffield United have signed midfielder Paul Coutts and defender Kieron Freeman from Derby until the summer of 2017.

Coutts, 26, has joined the Blades for an undisclosed fee after making Derby 67 appearances in two-and-a-half years.

Freeman, 22, returns to Bramall Lane having played 12 times on loan last season and moves on a free transfer after having his contract cancelled.

"Thanks everyone at Derby. Players, staff, facilities, fans first class and ready for next step," tweeted Coutts.

Coutts was out for more than 12 months after dislocating his kneecap in September 2013.