Inside Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic deal as patience and old ties pay dividends

The signing of Anel Ahmedhodzic is just reward for Sheffield United after their patience and perseverance has paid off. The 23-year-old has joined today after completing his switch from Malmo.

It's a signing that has been in the making for more than seven months and United have had to play the waiting game with this one. Originally identified last year ahead of the January window, Heckingbottom was keen to bring him in on loan to help with the defensive injury crisis that was unfolding and the congested fixture list that was threatening to wreak havoc with their season.

However, Bordeaux's loan-to-buy option, believed to be at £4m, put them at the front of the queue. He joined the French side on loan until the end of the season but United remained in touch.

Jack Lester had personally vouched for Ahmedhodzic's character and attributes having coached him in the Nottingham Forest academy during the Bosnian international's early years.

The pair had a good relationship, which was key in this deal, and Lester had been in contact. Ahmedhodzic was keen.

Although having to change their focus during the winter window, where they eventually signed Charlie Goode on loan from Brentford, United remained in contact with Ahmedhodzic's representatives and Malmo.

With Bordeaux starting to look like a side heading down to Ligue 2, United felt confident that the loan to buy would not be taken up if they lost their top-flight status.

Keen to position themselves at the front of the queue, officials at Bramall Lane made regular phone calls to remind his camp of just how wanted the 23-year-old was and why Bramall Lane is the right place for him.

With Bordeaux's relegation confirmed and a further twist with news that they had actually been