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Healy completes transfer to Leeds
Northern Ireland striker David Healy has completed his move from Preston North End to Leeds United.
Healy signed for the Elland Road outfit on Friday morning after agreeing personal terms with the club and undergoing a medical.
Leeds had several earlier bids turned down but then decided to meet Preston's asking price for the 25-year-old.
The fee is understood to be in the region of £650,000 and Healy has committed himself to Leeds until 2008.
Healy will go straight into the Leeds team to face Coca-Cola Championship leaders Wigan on Sunday.
The Northern Ireland international admitted the two weeks in which the clubs have been wrangling over the fee had been difficult for him.
"I never had any doubts. As soon as I knew Leeds were interested I wanted to come here," said Healy.
"Everything about it is impressive. The stadium and facilities are those of a Premier League outfit.
"They may not be there at the moment but hopefully we can get there soon.
"Preston took a massive gamble when they signed me from Manchester United and I'll always be grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to play first team football."
Kevin Blackwell was rewarded for his patience even though he admitted there were times Healy might not come.
"Whenever Leeds go in for a player, three or four other clubs take interest but fortunately David wanted to come here and I'm glad that was his decision," said the Leeds boss.
Healy is Preston's club-record signing, joining for £1.5m from Manchester United after a successful loan spell in 2001.
Healy completes transfer to Leeds
Northern Ireland striker David Healy has completed his move from Preston North End to Leeds United.
Healy signed for the Elland Road outfit on Friday morning after agreeing personal terms with the club and undergoing a medical.
Leeds had several earlier bids turned down but then decided to meet Preston's asking price for the 25-year-old.
The fee is understood to be in the region of £650,000 and Healy has committed himself to Leeds until 2008.
Healy will go straight into the Leeds team to face Coca-Cola Championship leaders Wigan on Sunday.
The Northern Ireland international admitted the two weeks in which the clubs have been wrangling over the fee had been difficult for him.
"I never had any doubts. As soon as I knew Leeds were interested I wanted to come here," said Healy.
"Everything about it is impressive. The stadium and facilities are those of a Premier League outfit.
"They may not be there at the moment but hopefully we can get there soon.
"Preston took a massive gamble when they signed me from Manchester United and I'll always be grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to play first team football."
Kevin Blackwell was rewarded for his patience even though he admitted there were times Healy might not come.
"Whenever Leeds go in for a player, three or four other clubs take interest but fortunately David wanted to come here and I'm glad that was his decision," said the Leeds boss.
Healy is Preston's club-record signing, joining for £1.5m from Manchester United after a successful loan spell in 2001.
