Sheffield United midfielder Jose Baxter has failed a drugs test.

The Sky Bet League One club have placed him under suspension.

A statement from Sheffield United on Saturday evening announced that "traces of a banned substance" were found when Baxter underwent Football Association testing.

Baxter, 23, began his career at Everton and is protesting his innocence, the South Yorkshire club said.

An announcement on the Blades' official website said: "The club has learned that one of its players, Jose Baxter, was found to have traces of a banned substance in his sample following a routine Football Association out of competition drug test. The player has informed the club that he engaged in no wrongdoing involving any banned substance.

"Established policy in these circumstances requires that the club temporarily suspend the player pending further findings. The club has taken this step without prejudice to the player's claim of no wrongdoing. The club will offer no further comment at this stage."