Busy Blades acquire Brayford, Scougall and Harris

Nigel Clough expressed his delight following the arrival of Cardiff City defender John Brayford on a loan deal until the remainder of the season.

The 26-year-old was attracting interest from clubs in the Championship, but a mutual admiration between Clough and the player himself convinced the former Crewe man to pen a deal at Bramall Lane.

Clough said: “This is a major coup for us because, believe me, John could have easily moved to teams in the division above.”

The Blades also signed Livington’s Stefan Scougall on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

United have paid an undisclosed fee for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who has made 18 appearances, scoring two goals for the Livi Lions this season.

And late in the afternoon Clough secured the services of Blackpool left-back Bob Harris, who moves to the Lane on a 28-day loan deal.

Tony McMahon has gone in the other direction on a similar deal.