Nathan Jones has finally got his midfield man at the third time of trying and six months after a move for Luke Freeman fell through due to finances.
The 30-year-old moved to Millwall on loan instead in February, playing one match, but now after his release by Sheffield United, he has penned a permanent deal to become a Hatter.
It’s a move that could likely spell the end of the pursuit of Robert Snodgrass, who had been on a short-term loan until the end of last term.
Manager Jones told the club’s website: “Luke is someone that is established at the level. I have coached and played with him at Yeovil, then he did well at Stevenage, really well at Bristol City and then QPR, and he’s someone we’re delighted to get.
“He’s a fantastic character and a really good technical player; a left-footed, energetic midfielder who is attack minded.
“I’ve tried to sign Luke on two occasions before, wasn’t able to do it even though he had a real desire to do it on both occasions, I just couldn’t quite get there. To have finally got him is a big thing.
“He has come in to train with us, he has fitted in, he’s proved his fitness and had a real desire of wanting to play for Luton, so we’re excited by it.
“We’ve had Robert Snodgrass and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who have done really well for us as left footers, and sometimes they are at a premium, so we are delighted to have got it done. We’ve added another real good one.”
Freeman has more than 400 career appearances to his name, and he said: “The gaffer has asked me to come down here and I jumped at the opportunity to. I’ve really enjoyed my time so far.
“Hopefully I can add to the quality that is already here. The gaffer and the staff have done an unbelievable job over the last few years so hopefully I can help the team move in the right direction and maybe go one further this year.”
On his relationship with Jones, he added: “We’ve often kept in touch over the years, me and the gaffer – as I’ve now got to call him! It is good to finally sign for him and hopefully be a part of this quality side.”
