England U21 midfielder David Prutton has joined Southampton from Nottingham Forest for a fee of £2.5 million.

Despite rejecting an offer from the Saints a fortnight ago, Forest accepted another offer late last night and Prutton moves to St. Mary's on a four and a half year deal.

"We are delighted to have got him," said Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe to the club's website, www.saintsfc.co.uk.

"He is a really good player and all the training staff were very keen to sign him. This is the big one we wanted. "But we were not prepared to pay over the odds so it was a question of holding our nerve and making sure we got the best possible deal for this club.

"We are confident he will prove a sound investment for the future and give our squad a boost for the final third of the season."

Meanwhhile, Forest's highly-rated England Under-21 international defender Michael Dawson has agreed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the First Division club.

Dawson said: "I love it at the City Ground and feel I can fulfil all my ambitions with Nottingham Forest.

"I would love to play in the Premier League one day but there's no reason why that shouldn't happen at Forest, especially as we're doing so well in the First Division at the moment.

"It's nice to see my name being linked with big clubs but as far as I'm concerned it's only speculation."

Dawson only signed a new five-year contract last summer but he has made such significant progress this term that the club felt it was only right to reward him with an improved deal.

Forest boss Paul Hart said: "It's great news for everyone connected with this football club.

"It's our way of showing that we recognise what Michael has done for us and to prove to him that we're a good football club who value his services."