Sheffield United suspend Jose Baxter after midfielder fails drugs test

Jose Baxter has been suspended by Sheffield United after failing an out-of-competition drug test.

The 23-year-old midfielder who was once tipped for an England call-up whilst coming through at Everton, was found to have traces of a banned substance in his sample for a routine FA test. Sheffield United missed out on a shot at promotion to The Championship when they lost out in a thrilling playoff semi final with Swindon, losing 7-6 in aggregate. But, despite the season being over, there were still random checks being carried out and further inquiries will examine Jose Baxter's case. The club have suspended him though and released this statement this evening: '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.'