Coventry City defender Liam Kitching has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan. The move gives Sheffield United an experienced defensive option, while allowing Kitching to seek regular first-team football after his opportunities at Coventry diminished.

The 26-year-old has made 107 appearances for Coventry, including 38 last season as the club won the Championship. Coventry’s summer arrivals of defenders Aurele Amenda, Ethan Pinnock and Stephen Mfuni pushed him down the pecking order; he had made only one appearance this season, in the Carabao Cup.