Luton Town have confirmed on their official website the free signing of reported Derby County target Reece Burke following his move from newly promoted Hull City.
The former West Ham United defender was out of contract with Hull this summer.
A report by the Daily Mail claimed Derby, Bristol City, Cardiff City and Millwall were keen on him. Luton, however, have won the race for his signature.
Speaking to Luton’s official website, manager Nathan Jones confirmed strong interest from other Championship clubs and expressed his delight at getting the deal done.
“We’re delighted to get this deal for Reece done because we’ve liked him for a while. He’s a good age, has good pedigree and is different to what we have at the club. He turned down other Championship clubs to come here, so we are convinced of his commitment to become a top player, which we feel he will achieve,” Jones explained.
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Burke made 37 appearances for Hull over the past season. He helped the Tigers win League One and bounce back to the Championship after their relegation last year.
The 24-year-old has plenty of potential and represents an excellent signing for Luton.
Derby, meanwhile, will regret missing out on him as the Rams struggle in defence.
Derby’s defensive situation:
Matt Clarke, George Edmundson and Manchester United’s Teden Mengi have all returned to their parent clubs following loan spells at Pride Park this past season.
Curtis Davies and Andre Wisdom, on the other hand, are out of contract.
It means Derby are currently in danger of entering July’s pre-season without a single recognised senior centre-back on their books with off-field issues still lingering on.
Derby owner Mel Morris is actively trying to sell the club. Without a takeover, it remains to be seen whether he will provide the funds for much-needed squad additions.
Also see: Report: Derby monitor league rival winger Lamouchi called ‘very positive’ during Forest spell
Also see: Opinion: Derby’s reported interest in Elder could boost Arsenal’s chances of signing Rams talent