Chris Wilder credits 'secret Blade' Simon Moore for helping persuade Leo Hjelde to join on loan | OneFootball

Chris Wilder has welcomed Sheffield United’s deadline-day loan capture of Sunderland defender Leo Hjelde, and suggested goalkeeper Simon Moore may have helped steer the move.

“I've seen his career, footballing background obviously, into Leeds, onto Sunderland, been around their first team, plays left-back, plays left-centre-half in a three as well, can do centre-half as well, so gives us that vital cover and balance and good competition for Harrison [Burrows] now,” Wilder said, speaking to the club's official website.

United moved for cover at left-back after Sam McCallum was stretchered off during a 1-1 draw with Millwall at the weekend. Hjelde, 22, has not featured for Sunderland this season after an early injury, and now heads to the Championship for regular minutes with a side sitting 17th, 11 points off the play-offs.

“He's a roommate of Simon Moore, so Simon's still working his magic for us in one way or the other, a secret Blade at heart. I think he played a part in persuading Leo to come to us.”

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “Leo is motivated to play games, and we wanted to ensure his next opportunity matched his ambitions and our own. We know Sheffield United well and feel this can be a positive collaboration for all three parties.”

Source: Sunderland Echo