Jose Baxter suspended: Sheffield United confirm striker has been suspended with immediate effect

Former Everton striker Baxter has made 28 appearances for Sheffield United this season, scoring seven goals

Jose Baxter has been suspended by Sheffield United (Getty Images)

Sheffield United have suspended striker Jose Baxter with immediate effect and have begun procedures against the 24-year-old, the League One club have confirmed.

The club have not indicated why the former Everton and Oldham Athletic forward has been suspended.

“Sheffield United Football Club can confirm that Jose Baxter has been suspended,” a club statement released on their official website read.

“Procedures are being followed and no further comment will be made until the completion of these actions.”

Baxter was disciplined by the club in December for what was described as “an incident”.

Baxter was given a five-month ban – three of which were suspended – in July last year after failing a drugs test on 7 May when traces of ecstasy were found in a sample he gave. Baxter said that his drink had been spiked on a night out, and returned to action for Sheffield United at the start of the current season.

Baxter has made 28 appearances for the Blades this season, scoring seven goals, having joined Sheffield in 2013 from Oldham.

The Independent has contacted Baxter's agent but is yet to receive a reply.