Coventry City manager Andy Thorn has spoken of his delight in capturing Derby County striker Callum Ball on a season long loan.
While the move was not part of the deal that took Richard Keogh in the opposite direction, it certainly helped the deal to go through.
When Derby first approached Coventry to enquire about Keogh, the Sky Blues asked about Ball moving in the other direction, but Derby were not too keen, however with other clubs offering similar transfer fees for Keogh and similar personal terms to the player, Clough realised that allowing Ball to move on a season long loan would clinch the deal.
Clough said, "Coventry asked for Callum and that was a major part of the deal for them. I think that might have been the thing that swung the deal for us when other clubs were coming in with similar offers for Richard Keogh.
Clough also believes that the move will be of huge benefit to Ball and allow him to develop as a striker.
"If we take the long term view, it will be a brilliant move for his development," said Clough.
Thorn said, "I've liked Callum for some time, so I am really pleased we've been able to get him here.
"He's young, he's hungry and he's already a big, strong striker. We think he will be a massive asset for us this season. He will fit in with what we want to do here."