How patience proved a virtue for Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom in the Premier League club's pursuit of Brondby's Tunisian international midfielder Anis Ben Slimane

The Tunisian international has become the Blades' first signing of the summer window, penning a three-year contract after an agreement was reached with Danish club Brondby.

The Premier League newcomers have negotiated a deal which will see them pay under £1m up front to trigger a release clause in the 22-year-old's contract in Denmark.

Performance-related add-ons will increase that fee for Slimane, who had just started the final year of his contract with Brondby.

Heckingbottom said: "Anis is someone we've known about since we first took the job here, really in that first window.

"We never really had the opportunity to do something until now and it has just coincided with his contract situation, so the timing is really good for both of us.

"He's 22 but someone with a lot of experience. He's played a lot of first-team games, been to a World Cup and someone who has continually gone up the ladder in terms of his levels.

"He's a technical player who can handle the ball really well and someone who works really hard. I think the fact that he's played in a number of positions at international level and has been trusted in those positions shows he gets the game tactically."

On heading to Bramall Lane, Copenhagen-born Slimane, who has been capped 26 times by Tunisia, commented: "I had a really good talk with the club and the manager and I felt that they had the right plan for me.

"The manager was really honest and I am excited to be here and looking forward to the Premier League.

"It is a big opportunity and a big challenge, I am not coming here for a vacation. I have been through a lot in my career so far, even though I'm only 22, but I still have a lot to learn, and I am looking forward to learning every day."

The arrival of Slimane is set to be followed by that of Ivory Coast winger Benie Traore from Swedish outfit Hacken.