Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom has shared his delight at winning the race for Preston North End target Yasser Larouci.
PNE are in the market for another left wing back this summer.
Robbie Brady has been given a two-year deal, which caused some surprise in the North End fanbase.
Brady’s competition last season was loanee Alvaro Fernandez, but he is back with Manchester United and likely isn’t coming back.
That means North End have to look elsewhere and one target appeared to be Larouci.
Alan Nixon claimed that PNE did chase a deal for Troyes left back Larouci but that Sheffield United moved into the lead.
Lancs Live’s George Hodgson added that whilst North End did speak to Larouci, the interest had come to an end with a Premier League target wanted instead.
There is now no chance of Larouci heading to Deepdale as he has secured his move to Sheffield United.
The Blades have confirmed that Larouci has arrived on a season-long loan deal with the option to sign him permanently.
Boss Paul Heckingbottom reacted by saying that he is delighted to sign Larouci.
Heckingbottom hailed Larouci as an attack-minded player who is quick and loves to go forward.
Heckingbottom also believes that Larouci can make a real impact for the Blades, especially as he can play at left back or left wing back.
“We’re pleased and for a number of reasons,” said Heckingbottom. “It is a position that we knew we needed and to be able to get someone like Yasser in who we think has the qualities and the attributes to add to how we want to play was important.”
“He’s a very front-footed player, he’s quick and loves to break forward from defensive positions which is how we want to play. He’s played wing-back at his last club, but he’s also been comfortable in a back four as well. We’re really pleased to get this one done,” he added.
It was never really likely that PNE would be able to beat a Premier League club to Larouci’s signature.
The France Under-21 international may also fancy another shot at Premier League success after previously been in the Liverpool ranks.
North End will now move on and will hope to find another attack-minded wing back who can slot into Ryan Lowe’s approach.