Exclusive: Bristol Rovers bank fee as former midfielder joins Sheffield United

Sheffield United have completed the signing of former Bristol Rovers midfielder Miguel Freckleton on a two-and-a-half year deal.

Compensation was agreed with the Gas - for a minor fee - with the League Two side holding the rights to their ex-youth player.

Freckleton then spoke with Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom and signed a deal to join the Championship side just before Christmas, after impressing in trial games against experienced forward Billy Sharp and others.

The 18-year-old is a former Bristol Inner City Football Academy and joined the group after leaving Rovers, before going on to play at college level with SGS Filton under top coach and head of football there Dave Hockaday.

And after joining Mangotsfield United several clubs scouted the player, who impressed in non-league, making eight appearances in the Southern League Division One South & West this year.

Southampton, Cardiff City and Hull City all took an interest before Sheffield United won the race for the prospect’s signature.

The teenager will now look to make his mark in development squad games to push for senior inclusion in the Championship.

Freckleton joins a fellow Bristolian in South Yorkshire, Kacper Lopata, who was on trial himself with Bristol City previously.

Freckleton’s representative Arfan Rehman gave some insight into how the player has made steps forward of late.

“I honestly feel Miguel has huge ability, athletic attributes and most importantly the mentality to go the very top,” said Rehman, of the Eyeconic Sports Management group.

“The set backs he has had over the past few years with injuries then to come back so strongly to get three Championship clubs offering him professional contracts, shows how far he has come.”

Bristol Rovers can now use the small fee towards bringing in a new forward, with Joey Barton recently explaining that he hopes to improve his front line options in the January transfer window.