Sheffield United sign Middlesbrough defender Alex Baptiste

Sheffield United manager Nigel Adkins has moved to strengthen his defensive options by bringing in Middlesbrough defender Alex Baptiste on loan until the end of the season.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Mar 2016, 13:24 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2016, 13:36 BST
Alex Baptiste, left, in action for old club Bolton against one of his new team mates Martyn WoolfordAlex Baptiste, left, in action for old club Bolton against one of his new team mates Martyn Woolford
Alex Baptiste, left, in action for old club Bolton against one of his new team mates Martyn Woolford

Baptiste, 30, has yet to feature for Championship title-chasing Boro, having suffered a double leg fracture in a pre-season friendly with York City, just a week after moving from Bolton Wanderers.

Adkins told the Blades website: "We are delighted to be able to bring Alex in. He's a vastly experienced performer who can operate in a number of positions. Following an injury, he is now fit and raring to go and will make a valuable contribution in the remaining months of the season."

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The former Mansfield and Blackpool defender, who can play anywhere across the back four, has stepped up his recovery in recent weeks, playing for Boro's under 21 side,

Adkins has been long in the hunt for a central defender with Fulham's Dan Burn one of his main targets.

Baptiste has promotion pedigree having been part of the Blackpool side which stormed into the Premier League under Ian Holloway in 2010.

Middlesbrough, currently third in the Championship, have the option to recall the player after 28 days.

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Related topics:MiddlesbroughSheffield UnitedBlackpoolBoroBladesBolton Wanderers