Sheffield United centre back Jeff Eckhardt has joined Third Division Fulham in a deal worth £40,000 this afternoon.
Blades fan Eckhardt leaves Bramall Lane after coming through the United youth-team system and making 74 league appearances in the space of three years into the first-team squad. It marks the end of a two-year pursuit of his former team-mate by Lewington, who saw his initial approach for the Sheffield-born defender turned down last year when Eckhardt enjoyed an extended run in the first team following an injury-crisis.
The 22 year-old has signed a two-year contract at Craven Cottage and is expected to make his Fulham debut at Millmoor when the Whites travel to face Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon.
