Deadline day: Marnick Vermijl leaves Manchester United to join Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Marnick Vermijl on a permanent deal.

The 23-year-old Belgian defender was poised to return to his homeland to join Lokeren at the end of January but the move fell through at the final stage.

Sheffield Wednesday have responded quickly to sign the right-back for an undisclosed fee on a three-and-a-half-year deal, confirming the move via their official website.

Vermijl will join United striker Will Keane, who joined Wednesday on loan in January, at Hillsborough and admits his teammate's recommendation and the allure of the club helped him make up his mind.

"It's definitely a big step upwards for me personally and I'm looking forward to playing for Sheffield Wednesday," Vermijl told the club's official YouTube channel.

"The main aim is to play as many games as I can. I've come to an age where I need to start playing now and Sheffield Wednesday is the right club for me.

"The history [of the club] helped attract me, it's a massive club in England. I've had conversations with the manager and I think it's a really good step for me.

"I've spoken to Will [Keane] a lot the past few days, he talked me into it, saying it's a good club.

"He is in the exact same position as me, he wanted to start playing games too. He said the level they are at here is a big step forward so I am pleased to have signed."

Vermijl, a graduate of Standard Liege's youth academy, made just two appearances for United's first team, both coming in the League Cup.

He impressed while out on loan at Dutch side NEC Nijmegen last season and featured once under Louis van Gaal this season but failed to force his way into contention at Old Trafford, despite persistent concerns on the right-hand side of defence.