Chris Wilder reveals why Liam Kitching chose Sheffield United over Premier League football

Sheffield United have completed their deadline-day swoop for Liam Kitching, with Chris Wilder hailing the defender's decision to turn down the chance to remain in the Premier League in favour of a move to Bramall Lane. The 26-year-old has joined the Blades on a season-long loan from Coventry City.

Kitching made 38 Championship appearances as Coventry won the title last season and Wilder believes his record at this level makes him exactly the kind of player United need for the rest of the campaign.

"I've commented before on the moving parts of the transfer window, and this is an example of the benefits of sometimes holding out, because this option came up very late in the window," Wilder said.

"In terms of defenders at this level, we're getting someone who has been in the top bracket over recent seasons. The numbers tell the story, playing regularly last season in a Coventry side who dominated the division.

"We're getting another player who knows how to succeed at this level."

Kitching was born and raised in Harrogate and previously played for Barnsley before moving to Coventry. "He's a Yorkshire lad, who lives close by, so he knows what we're about and what the fans demand here, and he's got all the attributes needed to succeed.

"What I really liked about this deal was after we had permission to speak with him, he drove to Shirecliffe on his own, we sat down and had a good chat and then he signed. No fuss.

"He wanted to come here and he wanted to play. He could easily have stayed at Coventry and been in and around that side in the Premier League, but he wants to play and that's another big tick in the box for me."

Kitching is equally clear about what he wants from his move to South Yorkshire. "I'm delighted to be here,” he said. “Obviously it was quite a quick turnaround, but I can't wait to get going and meet the lads and meet the fans.

"I'm hungry to play games consistently and hopefully we can take Sheffield United to where it belongs. I've always admired the gaffer's teams.

“They’re always tough to play against, hard-working and I think that describes me as a player as well. I'll always give my 110 per cent and always work hard for the team, so I'm excited."