Sheffield United transfer target seals £10m move to Championship rivals
Sheffield United have missed out on the signing of Aston Villa attacker Lewis Dobbin.
Southampton have completed the signing of Sheffield United transfer target and Aston Villa attacker Lewis Dobbin for a reported fee of £10million.
The Saints advanced talks with Villa over the past few days in an attempt to sign the former Preston North End loanee, and the deal has now been finalised. Dobbin has signed a four-year contract at St Mary's.
United, who will face Levante UD in their third pre-season friendly of the summer on Friday, had expressed interest in signing the 23-year-old, who excelled on loan at Deepdale last season, scoring 11 goals in 41 appearances. However, the Blades were interested in a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer.
However, it became clear that Villa preferred to sell Dobbin on a permanent basis, with a fee north of £5m pricing United out of the race. Sky Sports have reported that he has joined Southampton in a deal worth £10m, including potential add-ons.
Upon completing his move to St Mary’s, Dobbin told the Saints’ club website: “It’s an amazing feeling, I’m very grateful to be able to represent this club and to be given the opportunity to play for Southampton is something that I can’t ever take for granted. I’m just really thankful to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“It’s been a busy few weeks, but Tonda [Eckert] was the first manager I spoke to and the way he spoke about the football club, the way he spoke about the players, it sold it to me straightaway. My mind was already made up as soon as I knew Southampton were interested.”
Dobbin’s impressive loan spell at Preston last season meant he was identified as an ideal target for the Blades ahead of this summer’s transfer window. The Star revealed United’s interest back in April.
The Blades are expected to make full use of the loan market this summer, meaning a player of Dobbin’s quality and Championship experience made him a perfect fit.
He was on target both home and away against the Blades last season, scoring in a brace of 3-2 wins for Preston.