Alex Bruce has completed his move to newly-promoted Championship side Leeds United.

ALEX Bruce has completed his move to newly-promoted Championship side Leeds United.

The 25-year-old defender moves from Ipswich Town for an undisclosed fee – believed to be �200,000 with the potential to rise to �300,000 based on appearances.

Bruce had been set to sign for Sheffield United, but the move fell through as the two clubs couldn’t agree how the transfer fee would be paid.

He signs a two-year deal at Elland Road, with the option of an extra year.

Leeds boss Simon Grayson, whose side finished second behind Norwich City in League One last season, said: “Alex is going to be a good member of the squad. He can play at centre-back, right-back and as a holding midfielder.

“We felt we were short in those areas at this moment and we’re delighted he’s come.

“He’s got a lot of experience, he’s played in the Championship and the Premiership and he’s what we want – a player who knows the division, is hungry and wants to be successful.”

And Grayson also revealed that he had been tracking the Republic of Ireland international for a long period. He added: “We tried to sign him a year ago when we were in League One.

“Ipswich wouldn’t let him go, then we got a call a week ago to say he was available and everything got agreed.”

Having started out as a trainee at Manchester United, Bruce was brought to Portman Road on a free transfer by Jim Magilton in 2006 following unsuccessful spells at Blackburn and Birmingham.

He has made 115 appearances for the Blues over the last four years, scoring 37 goals, but fell out of favour under manager Roy Keane last season.

Bruce – the son of former Manchester United defender and Sunderland manager Steve – finished up last season on loan at Leicester City where he helped the club finish in the Championship play-offs.

His departure from Portman Road leaves Ipswich manager Roy Keane with just two right-backs in the form of Jaime Peters and youngster Jack Ainsley.