The Republic of Ireland international defender will cost Leeds around £200,000 from Championship rivals Ipswich Town and is aiming to help his new club reach the Premier League

"I went to Sheffield to see them last weekend," he said. "Then I got a phone call telling me about Leeds's interest and my mind was all on coming here.

"Everyone knows the kind of club this is," he added. "It's a huge club with a massive fan-base and a great support. It's a good ambition of mine to help this club get promoted again."

Bruce, who also played on loan for Sheffield Wednesday five years ago, is the son of former Blades manager Steve Bruce.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal with a further one year's option.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson said: "Alex is going to be a good member of the squad. He can play at centre-back, right-back, and as a holding midfielder.

"He's got a lot of experience, he's played in the Championship and the Premership and he's what we want – a player who knows the division, is hungry and wants to be successful.

"We tried to sign him a year ago when we were in League One," Grayson added.