Higginbotham joins Saints

Derby defender Danny Higginbotham joined English Premiership side Southampton in a 1.5-million-pound (2.47-million-dollar) transfer.

The 24-year-old Higginbotham had 18 months remaining on his contract at Pride Park and cash-strapped Derby opted to cash in on him now.

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe was delighted with the acquisition of Higginbotham and the 2.5-million-pound purchase of England under-21 international midfielder David Prutton whom Saints also signed on Friday.

Lowe said: "It has been a very busy day but I think these two deals show we are not content merely to rest on our laurels.

"We always felt that the two signings would go right to the wire but it was a case of doing both deals on our terms. Both are quality players of a good age who will add depth to the squad and will be very useful additions."