Jason Holt: Sheffield United sign Hearts midfielder on loan

Jason Holt scored in Hearts' 2-0 win against Rangers at Tynecastle in November

Sheffield United have signed midfielder Jason Holt from Heart of Midlothian on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal.

The Scotland Under-21 international, 21, has played 19 games for Hearts this season, scoring twice, with 70 appearances in total.

Hearts, then in administration, rejected an offer from Nottingham Forest for the player in 2013.

"He's an exciting young midfielder," said Blades boss Nigel Clough.

He told the club website: "Having him for the next three or four months gives us the opportunity to have a good look at what he offers."

United have already signed Paul Coutts and Kieron Freeman from Clough's former club Derby, as well as Cardiff defender John Brayford.