Hatters snap up Daggers defender Wilkinson

The 23-year-old, who had been placed on the transfer list by his own request at Daggers, has penned a one-year deal and will fly out with the rest of the squad to Portugal this evening.

Wilkinson started his career at Portsmouth, but left Fratton Park without playing a first team game and was signed by Town boss John Still, then manager at Dagenham.

He was named the club’s player of the year in 2012-13, but injury restricted him to 25 league appearances last season and he has now been reunited with Still at Kenilworth Road.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Still said: “Luke is a top class player.

“We brought him in from Portsmouth and really progressed with us. In the last year I was there he was Dagenham’s player of the season. He was absolutely outstanding.

“I think the key to signing him was that he wanted to come here. Plus we know each other well.

“I was a centre-half and we worked with him a lot. We always felt he would go on and do well.

“He’s very powerful in the air, he can play both sides. When we first had him, his playing style and stature reminded us of a young Tony Adams.

“Although he’s still young, he’s had plenty of Football League experience and he’s a strong character.”

After putting pen-to-paper on the contract, Wilkinson added: “Luton is a club going places and it felt right straight away when I was told of their interest.

“Obviously I know the gaffer when he signed me for Dagenham and that’s always a big pull.

“Last season was frustrating for me. I had an injury in pre-season and always felt I was playing catch-up but I always felt this summer was time to move on.

“I’m a centre-half; big, strong, good in the air. I like to play football and get the ball down, but I can also do the dirty side as well.”