AFC Wimbledon have signed Sheffield United goalkeeper George Long on loan for the remainder of the season, the club has announced.

Long, 23, arrives at the Kingsmeadow following the recent departure of former Arsenal academy graduate James Shea to Luton Town on a free transfer.

Manager Neal Ardley said that Long was one of the prominent targets on a 15-goalkeeper shortlist of potential signings, with a ‘thorough search’ on the best available option.

He said: “We thought that, logistically, it might be difficult but we decided that he was the best option, and many months later we have managed to get it over the line.

“When we looked through the process of the best player for the position we wanted, the top three were all loan signings.

“We have put a lot of homework into this and we feel it is the right time for both parties to bring George here.”

He made only three appearances for Sheffield last season in their league-winning Sky Bet Championship campaign, behind ex-Brentford shot stopper Simon Moore in the pecking order.