David Brooks will not be making a return to Sheffield United this winter after Championship side Southampton agreed to sign him.
Brooks has made his comeback from a serious illness to get back into the first-team picture at Bournemouth but the club have been keen to get him more first-team football.
A move to Leeds United has been heavily touted and some Sheffield United fans were keen to see Brooks return to Bramall Lane.
However, Brooks will now spend the rest of the season with the high-flying Saints under Russell Martin.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the deal, taking to X to confirm exclusive news that the former Blade is moving to the South Coast.
Sheffield United return always a long shot
There’d have been something nice about seeing David Brooks return to the lane but it was always going to be a difficult deal to even attempt to do.
Bournemouth would not be letting one of their flair players join United, especially when we could end up in a battle with them to stay up if things dramatically turn around.
For Brooks though, this is an excellent move and a chance to really go out and shine in the Championship.
His most recent performance in the cup for Bournemouth showed just what he’s all about when he’s on it and Brooks could well fly under Martin.
For United fans, it’s yet another player we might have gone for who we’ve missed out on.
But overall, the feeling is one of wishing Brooks well after all he’s been through and Southampton have got themselves a real player.
United sold Brooks to Bournemouth for around £11.5m back in 2018.