Blades pounce for Davis

Sheffield United have struck a deal to sign Preston defender Claude Davis ahead of their return to the Barclays Premiership.

The promoted Blades are to pay an initially undisclosed fee, although Preston claim they could eventually receive £3m (€4.5m) from the 27-year-old Jamaican’s switch to Bramall Lane.

The international centre-back – who has made more than 100 appearances for North End since joining in July 2003 – has been widely regarded as one of the best defenders operating in the Championship.

Preston chairman Derek Shaw told www.pne.com: “This is a deal that the club could not afford to turn down.

“It is a very good deal for Preston North End and gives Claude the opportunity to go to the Premier League, which is what he has wanted all of his career.

“Once bids for Claude reached a certain level, it triggered a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to Premier League clubs.”