Leeds United sign Derby right-back Paul Connolly

Connolly had a loan spell at Sheffield United in 2010

Former Derby County skipper Paul Connolly has agreed a three-year deal at Leeds United.

The 26-year-old is understood to have arrived at Elland Road on a free transfer despite having a year to run on his contract at Pride Park.

The Liverpudlian played 72 games for the Rams and had a seven-game loan spell at Sheffield United in 2010.

He also played over 150 games for Plymouth Argyle before joining Derby on a free transfer in 2008.

Connolly told BBC Radio Leeds: "It's finally done and dusted as I had to sort my situation out at Derby.

"I feel there's a big weight off my shoulders and I can't wait to get cracking at Leeds on 1 July.

"I think I need a new challenge. All the fight, bite and enthusiasm was taken out of me in the last six months of my time at Derby for a few reasons.

"For the good of me and my career I needed to move. I couldn't pick a better club to come to in order to kick on with.

"I think Leeds will benefit from me being a very hungry player."