Midfield swap shop suits both Town and 
the Boro

The Terriers have received a seven-figure sum as their part of a deal that is understood to value Clayton, ‘Player of the Year’ at the John Smith’s Stadium in 2013-14, at an initial £1.5m.

Even though the deal was not officially completed until yesterday, Butterfield, who has signed a four-year deal, spent time with the Town squad before and after Tuesday’s thrilling Capital One Cup first round win at Chesterfield.

On the former Barnsley midfielder, Lillis said: “He is a good player, good on the ball and versatile. And he provides good delivery. Jacob is a bright lad and he is keen to play here. It is good to have him with us.”

Butterfield will be in the squad to face Cardiff City this weekend as Town look to bounce back from their opening day humbling by Bournemouth.

Clayton is also in line for his Boro debut this weekend despite sitting out the 4-0 loss to the Cherries as a transfer saga that began early in the summer continued to rumble on.

It is likely to be a special one, too, for the 25-year-old, with Saturday bringing a trip to former club Leeds United.

His Championship breakthrough came at Elland Road, the play-maker making 50 appearances for United and picking up the ‘Goal of the Year’ award for 2011-12 courtesy of a stunning long-range effort at Leicester City.

After joining Town for £350,000, Clayton, who was also wanted by Brighton & Hove Albion, matured further and he went on to make 94 appearances across two seasons.

Boro manager Aitor Karanka said: “Adam is another player who will improve our squad and I am delighted to welcome him to Boro.

“He is a strong player and a strong character and just the sort of person I want in my squad.”

As for Town, the search for a new manager continues with Coventry City’s Steven Pressley having his odds cuts by bookmakers to odds-on.

Chairman Dean Hoyle has made it clear the club wants “someone who is tried and tested” in the role following the shock departure of Mark Robins just a few hours into the new season. The interview process is expected to begin shortly after Town were inundated with applications.