Harriers cash in with Jamille Matt move

The Cod Army have confirmed they are set to pay a fee in excess of their previous club-record signing, Jamie Vardy, for £150,000 in August 2011.

Harriers could net a figure close to their club-record sale, Lee Hughes to Albion for £200,000 in August 1997, when Matt passes a medical today.

The 22-year-old only signed a new contract with Harriers last week but there was a release clause in his new deal which, to their surprise, has been met.

Chairman Mark Serrell said: "It was designed to offer the club more security and in, our view, hopefully keep him with us for, at least, the foreseeable future.

"We had not envisaged at all that any club would meet the criteria of that clause quite so soon, but Fleetwood have done so.

"However, their officials made an approach properly and through the correct channels, which we commend."

The Jamaican-born forward only returned to playing in November after seven months out through issues with his work permit, as he fought claims he was an illegal immigrant.

Matt then irked management at Harriers by going on trial without permission at League One club Sheffield United in July, despite being under contract at Aggborough.

The big frontman had previously been the subject of three bids from League Two side Northampton, who were told by Harriers it would take a five-figure fee for them to sell.

After eight goals in eight Blue Square Premier games since being restored to the Harriers team, Mattt again courted the interest of several clubs from the higher divisions.

The likes of Wolves, Albion, Leicester and Leeds were all linked before Fleetwood made their move and Cod Army chairman Andy Pilley admits it's a "significant investment."

Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander added: "Jamille is one of the hottest properties outside the league. He's something that we haven't got at the club, at the moment.

"He was our No 1 target to come and fill that void. Luckily for us, we've got him. It's a great club for him to join and further his career."