Lucketti is an experienced campaigner (Getty)

Southampton have signed Sheffield United defender Chris Lucketti on loan until the end of the season.

The move for the 36-year-old was completed just minutes ahead of the Football League loan deadline.

The transfer had looked in doubt when Lucketti's wife was admitted to hospital after falling ill.

But the deal eventually went through and Saints boss Nigel Pearson said: "Chris is a strong character who knows this division inside out."