Kalvin Phillips has joined Sheffield United(Image: Sheffield United FC)

Former Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips says part of the reason for agreeing to a loan switch to Sheffield United was to be “close to home”.

The new Blades signing only learned about moving to Bramall Lane as a genuine prospect at midday on deadline day. Phillips has only played seven minutes of football at Manchester City this season and none at all since September.

Explaining his move, he said: “I spoke to the manager [Chris Wilder] and saw the calibre of players that they’ve got. I also just want to play football and enjoy myself being close to home, so I felt Sheffield United was a perfect fit.”

Phillips has already spoken to former Leeds promotion colleague Patrick Bamford. He is also joined by ex-United loanee midfielder Joe Rothwell, who has switched to Sheffield from Rangers.

While Leeds did not bring anyone through the door on deadline day, Daniel Farke will have still ended the day satisfied on a personal level.

His son, Luis Engelns, agreed a permanent switch to Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim from Paderborn, whom Leeds played in pre-season.