Dibble pens deal with Tykes

Published Jul. 1, 2013 3:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Crewe midfielder Luke Murphy for a fee in the region of Â£1m.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-year deal at Elland Road to become the club's second signing of the summer after Oldham striker Matt Smith.

Murphy came through the ranks of the famous Crewe Academy and made his debut as a teenager, and by the end of last season he had become a regular in midfield and had been named captain.

He was the subject of interest from Wolves and Blackburn among others, but Brian McDermott was able to tempt him to West Yorkshire and is excited by his addition to the squad.

"Myself, the owners, the staff, the players, and I'm sure and I can speak for the supporters on this one, are absolutely delighted to sign Luke," McDermott

told the club's official website.

"He's a player I've known for a long time, I've watched his career progress, and I feel he was the best player in his division last year.

"I'd like to thank the owners for making this deal happen. We had spoken about Luke earlier in the summer being one of the key signings we're looking to make."

The 19-year-old, son of former Manchester City goalkeeper Andy, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the option of a further year.

He told Barnsley's official website: "I'm obviously very pleased.

"I was very surprised because one minute I'm signing for Bury and then suddenly I got a call off Willco (Barnsley goalkeeper coach Ian Willcock) saying they wanted to sign me so I'm very pleased about it.

"I think of Ian as a coach, but he's a good lad as well who you can get along with.

"The same is with Ben (Alnwick) and Steeley (Luke Steele), who are two very good goalkeepers.

"I'm here to get better, develop and get fitter. I'm going to get stronger and it can only help that I'm training with better players and coaches who will get the best out of me."