HUDDERSFIELD Town have snapped up Southampton ace Oscar Gobern on a two-year contract just hours after star wingman Anthony Pilkington slapped in a transfer request to owner Dean Hoyle.

The versatile 20-year-old Saints player becomes manager Lee Clark’s second summer signing after Calum Woods while Pilkington is wanting to follow Lee Peltier out of the club.

Chairman Hoyle, however, has confirmed Pilkington – who hasn’t played since breaking a leg on March 8 – will be allowed to leave only if the right offer comes from a Premier League club, with the 23-year-old previously linked with Norwich. Hoyle tried to convince Pilkington to stay, but he wants an immediate move to the top flight.

“Coming so closely after the departure of Lee Peltier it is doubly disappointing, but not a real surprise – I can understand his ambition,” said Hoyle.

“I have told Anthony I will not stand in his way. As hard as it may be, if a Premier League club comes in for him and we get the right offer he will be allowed to leave.”

As Gobern is under 24, Town have still to agree a fee for the England Under 19 cap.

Clark said of the Birmingham- born import: “Oscar is a young player who has caught my eye for both the young England teams and Southampton.

“He’s a fantastic athlete, has a cultured left foot and he is very good on the ball, so we’re looking forward to working with him.

“We want to help him improve and continue his development, as we have done with a number of young players here.

“He’ll be a great addition to our squad. He’s one for now and the future, but that is the case for every player here.

“If someone hits the ground running, they will be in the reckoning. That goes for the young professionals like Greg Pearson and Adam Field, who will join us for the first time, as much as anyone.

“We’ve done it last season with the likes of Jack Hunt, Liam Ridehalgh, Chris Atkinson and Aidan Chippendale. I’m looking forward to working with Oscar just as much as the rest of the players here.”