Sheffield United have signed John Brayford from Championship side Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee.
Brayford, 27, who has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Bramall Lane, spent the second half of last season on loan with the League One Blades.
However, having returned to Cardiff in the summer, he went on to play 28 times for the Bluebirds this term.
"We are absolutely thrilled he is coming back permanently," said Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough.
"John has been at the top of our list for a long time and our patience has finally been rewarded. There aren't very many loan players who galvanise a team and club like John did last season, simply by his actions on the field."
