Long, 20 who has made 73 appearances for the Blades will join Oxford United on loan until Janaury. "George is highly rated. He is tall, he communicates well and likes to command his box," said U's manager Michael Appleton. "We need competition for every place in the side and with Ryan Clarke still on crutches we now have two good young keepers in George and Max Crocombe, who will push each other all the way."
With only Mark Howard as the Blades recognised senior keeper boss Nigel Clough may look at the transfer market for new talent.