Burton Albion have completed their transfer deadline day dealings by signing Rochdale midfielder Jamie Allen on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old has been at Spotland throughout his career and has made more than 100 league appearances for the Dale in Leagues One and Two.
He will be reunited with former Rochdale midfield teammate Matty Lund, and becomes Albion's fourth acquisition of the summer in the centre of the park, joining Luke Murphy (back on loan), Hope Akpan and Lund.
Like Lund, Allen - signed after the arrivals of John Brayford and Will Miller on deadline day - will be making the step up to the Championship for the first time this term.
And Nigel Clough believes the time is right for him to do just that.
"We have watched him for quite a bit of time now and think he has a lot of potential," said the Brewers boss.
"We have been talking to Rochdale about him for several weeks but it has taken until deadline day to reach an agreement and we are delighted he his joining us.
"We think he is ready to make the step up to the Championship. It’s the right move at the right time.
"He wants to test himself at that level and he will be able to do that with us."
As for the player himself, Allen is stepping away from Spotland for the first time in 14 years - and he is relishing what lies ahead with his new side at the Pirelli Stadium.
"I’m delighted it’s over the line and I’m just really pleased to be here now," he said.
"It’s a massive challenge for me but one I feel I’m up to. I have been in League One a couple of years now and I think this is the right time for me to step up.
"I have been at Rochdale since I was eight. I feel like I’m ready for a new challenge and this has come up and I’m ready to go."
