Newell in Davies admission

Luton Town boss Mike Newell was surprised by the sudden sale of Curtis Davies.

The 20-year-old completed a £3 million transfer to West Bromwich Albion late on Wednesday evening, signing a four-year deal with the Premiership club.

The former Wimbledon trainee had been the subject of a possible summer bid, with Birmingham City, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur all though to have had strong interest in the centre back.

Newell thought the club's valuation of Davies had seemingly halted any offers coming in before Wednesday's deadline but West Brom were prepared to pay the money the Championship side wanted for the youngster.

"That (£3 million) was the valuation we had all along and I didn't actually believe anyone was going to get there before the deadline," Newell told Sky Sports News.

"But, to be fair to West Brom, they pushed the boat out and they were desperate for the player.

"We would never stand in the way of the lad playing Premiership football. We've maintained that all along.

"We gave them the opportunity to talk to him but I still honestly thought it was a little bit late for him to sign."

Newell believes Davies has the talent to appear for the Black Country club this season.

"I'm sure he's good enough," he added. "He'll get better and better. He's 20 years old, has a tremendous attitude and got a real hunger to be a player.

"He doesn't think he's knows it all already. He's one that's really willing to listen and get better and better.

"I don't like to compare players to anybody really. Curtis Davies is his own man and is certainly a tremendous athlete.

"He's got everything physically to play in the Premier League and he'll get better on the ball because he's willing to learn.

"I believe he'll play in the Premier League this season.

"There were a lot of clubs sniffing at him and were looking at him longer term but I honestly believe Bryan Robson will play him this season.

"We have started well and surprised a few people but we're Luton Town and can't turn down £3 million, that helps the club progress.

"The club has had a history of producing good players and moving them on."

Newell admits he is unsure if the £3 million earned in the sale of Davies can be solely used to get new players in January.

"There's no chance at all until January, which is a bit disappointing," he said.

"Mind you, I don't think I would have been getting much of that £3 million to be honest!

"We did go for players yesterday (Wednesday) and the day before to try and strengthen the squad but we couldn't afford them to be quite honest.

"If I had the £3 million, I may have been able to afford them."

Despite losing Davies, Newell feels he has the players to fill his position at centre back.

"We've got a squad that we think we can find a player," said Newell.

"Chris Coyne has been out for the start of the season through injury. He played every game last season and is confident he can play in that position.

"I would've liked a bit more cover but we've also got Russell Perrett, who can play at centre half and another lad in Leon Barnett, who has come through the ranks like Davies.

"He can progress in the same way."