Derby defender Danny Higginbotham joined English Premiership side Southampton today in a stg£1.5-million-pound transfer, making him the third player to leave Derby just hours before the closing of the transfer window.
Earlier today Malcolm Christie and Chris Riggott were both signed from Derby by Middlesbrough.
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 the 24 year-old and the stg£2.5-million-pound purchase of England under-21 international midfielder David Prutton whom Saints also signed earlier in the day.
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."