Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke has signed on loan for Championship promotion chasers Sheffield United for the rest of the season.

The Blades, currently second in the second tier under Chris Wilder, have beaten their city rivals Sheffield Wednesday to the 23-year-old's signature.

Clarke will provide competition for United right-back Alfie Gilchrist, who has started 26 of their 29 league games so far this season.

Wilder told the club website: "It's an area where we have been looking to strengthen, and we're delighted to bring in someone of Harry's quality to bolster our ranks.

"He's young but has got good experience for his age and knows what it's like to be successful at this level.

"He's someone we've identified over a period of time, and we're really pleased he's chosen to come here when others have shown interest."

Harry Clarke celebrates promotion last season (Image: PA) Ipswich-born Clarke came through the youth ranks at Playford Road before getting snapped up by Arsenal at the age of 14.

After a series of loan spells away, at Oldham, Ross County, Hibernian and Stoke, he returned to his hometown club in a £1.5m deal in January 2023.

A key part of the team that secured back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, Clarke has since slipped down the pecking order behind Axel Tuanzebe, Ben Johnson and January addition Ben Godfrey.

He's been restricted to four starts in the top-flight this season. In one of those, at Brentford, he gave away a penalty and was sent off. His last start was in the 4-0 home defeat to Newcastle prior to Christmas.

Harry Clarke was sent off at Brentford earlier this season (Image: Ross Halls) Of his move, Clarke said: "Where the boys are here, going for promotion, it was a no-brainer really.

"I've played here a few times and the atmosphere at Bramall Lane is incredible.

"I remember playing my last game at Stoke here at Bramall Lane and the atmosphere before and during the game, well it was tough being on the opposite side! I can't wait to being on the right side of it now.

"It's a tough league; anyone can beat anyone on their day. I know what it took last year so hopefully I can bring that experience.

"I am young but I've been there, so hopefully we can achieve something this year."

A brief statement on Town's website said Clarke 'will seek regular minutes with the Blades.'

It added: "We wish Harry the best of luck during his time at Bramall Lane."