Scott WoottonBrian McDermott completed the signing of 21 year old Manchester United defender Scott Wootton this evening, his fourth singing of the summer transfer window.

The young centre-back made only four appearances for Man United, but loan spells at Tranmere Rovers, Peterborough United and Nottingham Forest bring his total appearances up to 40.

Wootton joins a list of players that have crossed the Pennines from Manchester to Leeds which includes title winners Johnny Giles and Gordon Strachan, alongside the not so successful Danny Pugh and Lee Sharpe.

Leeds United manager Brian McDermott has stressed the need to reinforce a defence which previously relied upon Jason Pearce and Tom Lees playing every game. Wootton is seen more as a developing prospect than first team regular, but the youngster will provide some much needed competition to Leeds’ current defensive pairing and shouldn’t be short of chances to prove himself in first team action.

As is the norm these days, the fee paid for Wootton was undisclosed. The Daily Mail claim Leeds paid somewhere in the region of £1m, though that seems somewhat unlikely given Leeds United’s financial situation, even if it does include add-ons and clauses.

Announcing the deal, Brian McDermott thanked the owners for signing someone he feels “will develop with us in the coming years.” Leeds United’s Managing Director David Haigh said Wootton is an “exciting addition” while chairman, Salah Nooruddin described him as a “young player who has played on the biggest stage.”

– @TSSLUFC