Sheffield United have completed the signing of QPR star Luke Freeman for a deal believed to be in the region of £5m.
A number of sources, including Sky Sports News, recently suggested that the Blades were about to buy Freeman for around £3m, while West London Sport reported that an offer of around £4m had been turned down, with Rangers demanding more money for the midfielder.
No move materialised and it is now understood that United have sealed the deal after tabling an improved offer.
Freeman has agreed personal terms and the signing is expected to be announced today.
Leeds were also keen on the former Arsenal trainee, who was outstanding against them in QPR’s home win over the Yorkshire side last season.
But Freeman has been given the chance to play Premier League football, with Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder having been keen to snap him up this summer.
A move to the top flight will no doubt appeal to Freeman, who admitted that his head was turned by the prospect of joining a promotion-challenging side when Middlesbrough were chasing him last year.
Speaking to West London Sport last October, Freeman said: “It was difficult. I’d be lying if I said my head wasn’t turned, because to some extent it was.
“When you’re a player and there’s the possibility of joining a club that might well be in the Premier League next season, of course that’s something you think about.
“Every player wants to play in the Premier League and I’m not going to lie and say it wasn’t on my mind when that (interest in him) was happening.
“But what I can just as honestly say is that I’m very happy at QPR and always have been. I’ve always loved it there.
“There’s never been a time when I’ve not been happy to be playing for QPR. I’m very happy to be there and have never felt differently.”