Ex-Everton Academy protégé Jose Baxter is in trouble over drug issues again. Sheffield United have suspended him after traces of a banned substance were found in a routine drug test.

The 23-year-old, who was integral in the Blades reaching the League One play-offs this season, maintains his innocence.

Sheffield United released a brief statement on their official website on Saturday night with the news:

'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.'

Baxter, a former Everton trainee, scored 13 goals in 48 games for Nigel Clough's side this season but didn't take part in their play-off semi-finals against Swindon Town.

During his time with Everton, he had a run-in with the police over drug allegations. He left Everton