John Brayford: Sheffield United sign Cardiff City full-back

John Brayford played a part in Sheffield United's 5-3 FA Cup semi-final defeat by Hull in April

Sheffield United have signed full-back John Brayford from Championship side Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee.

Brayford, 27, who has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Bramall Lane, spent the second half of last season on loan with the League One Blades.

However, having returned to Cardiff in the summer, he went on to play 28 times for the Bluebirds this term.

"We are absolutely thrilled he is coming back permanently," said Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough.

"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."

Brayford, who has also had spells with Derby and Crewe, having started his career at Burton, scored two goals in 20 appearances for the Blades last season.

"We think it is money well spent," Clough told the club website. "We lost an 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."