Udinese midfielder Alexander Merkel says that he hopes to play Bundesliga football at some point in the future, despite turning down offers of a move there in January.
The 21-year old started his career at Stuttgart before making the switch to Italy as a highly-rated 16-year old to join AC Milan, but he struggled to break into the first team at the San Siro.
Merkel joined Udinese in January, despite interest from a number of European clubs, but he admits that Germany could be a future destination.
"Back in January I had talks with various clubs, also with a few from Germany. It did not work out as I preferred to remain in Italy then," Merkel told Sport1.
"Basically I am keen on playing Bundesliga 1 football one day in the future.
"There are great teams in the league and those stadiums are always sold out."
"I've been aware of Conor's talents for a long-time, through his development with Liverpool and England and he is a great prospect," manager David Weir told the club's official website.
"He will add competition for places in the midfield and will be an asset for us."
Coady, who has made two senior appearances for the Reds, becomes the Blades' sixth signing after Febian Brandy, Stephen McGinn, Sean McGinty, Jasper Johns and Lyle Taylor all put pen to paper.
