Manchester United defender Reece James joins Huddersfield Town for rest of the season

Manchester United defender Reece James has joined Huddersfield Town on loan until the end of the season, the club have confirmed.

The deal was announced less than an hour before the closure Football League loan window (5pm GMT).

James, 21, returned to Old Trafford in February following a loan spell Rotherham United and signed a contract extension with the club.

The versatile left back impressed United manager Louis van Gaal during the club's pre-season tour – where he scored twice in a victory over LA Galaxy – and was subsequently named in the Dutchman's first three Premier League squads at the beginning of the season. He will now finish the campaign with Chris Powell's side.

"It's fantastic news for the club that we've been able to secure Reece's services for the rest of the season," Powell told Huddersfield's official website.

"He excelled in a loan period in the Championship earlier this season and he possesses the quality that we need to cover for the unfortunate recent loss of Jack Robinson to injury. Once Jack was ruled out for the season, we've stepped up our search for a left-back and the board of directors didn't hesitate in backing me in the market.

"Reece is comfortable at left-back or in a more advanced wing-back role, which suits our style perfectly. It's great that we have completed the move early in the international break too, as it will give him time to bed in with his new teammates ahead of our game at Sheffield Wednesday."

James arrives on an emergency loan deal after the Terriers lost defender Jack Robinson, who was on loan from Queens Park Rangers, to a knee injury that will sideline him for at least nine months.

The full-back made eight appearances for Huddersfield's Championship rivals Rotherham this season and featured for Warren Joyce's Under-21 side upon his return to Manchester.

He, along with fellow United youngster Tyler Blackett, signed a new deal at his parent club in February.