(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
Luton Town's top goalscorer Danny Hylton has signed a contract extension with the club, keeping him at Kenilworth Road until the end of the 2018-19 season.
Hylton, 27, was a summer signing from Oxford, and has settled in brilliantly at his new club, scoring 14 goals so far this season to ignite Luton's charge for promotion.
When he initially signed in August last year, Hylton agreed a two-year deal with the Bedfordshire side, but boss Nathan Jones was keen to tie him down on a longer deal in order to keep his leading marksman at the club for as long as possible.
Speaking to Luton's official club website, Jones said: “This is a big signing for us and it's like a new one really because it secures him for us long-term.
“He believes in what we do here and we very much believe in what Danny gives us.
“For me, he's the best in the league. I wouldn't swap him for any other player. For what he brings me, what he does for me and how I can rely on that kid, he's outstanding.
“I'm delighted we've managed to ensure we have him here for even longer.
“He is a player I earmarked when I first came in. We got him in the summer and he's been a revelation, not only on the pitch but off it too with the way he is around the place. His work ethic, how he is as a character – he's just first class. He's the type that you want to work with.”
When Hylton joined the Hatters, a few eyebrows were raised as the striker had just helped Oxford achieve promotion to League One, and they were keen to keep hold of the striker.
Nevertheless, after being impressed by Jones, Hylton was more that happy to sign for Luton, and is now focusing on a successive League Two promotion after extending his stay with the club.
“I was more than happy to sign an extension when it was put in front of me as I like the team, the gaffer, the club – and it's a club I think is going to kick on, so hopefully I can be a big part of that,” the Londoner told Luton's website.
“The gaffer first mentioned to me a few weeks ago that he wanted to do it and there's not been too much ‘toing and froing' with the negotiating.
“As soon as the gaffer said he wanted to get it done, I was over the moon. I just wanted to get it done.
“The main thing when you're playing football is to feel settled somewhere and enjoy where you are. I am settled here, so hopefully I can continue to put in some good performances and contribute towards our ultimate goal of promotion.”
