Sean Raggett has today signed for Sky Bet Championship side Norwich City on a three-year deal.
Central defender Sean joins the Canaries for an undisclosed fee and as part of the deal he will return to the Imps on loan until January.
"We’ve worked hard to get the best deal for the Club moving forward and being able to negotiate the best deal for all three parties was key," said manager Danny Cowley.
"To be able to bring him back was a vital part of the deal ad the fact that Sean wanted to come back and continue his development with us is massive for us both as he is irreplaceable both as a person and as a player.
"It was always about the right pathway for Sean's development and credit must go to him for his part in helping us find a middle ground between the two parties."
Sean, who joined the Imps from Dover Athletic just over 12 months ago, was a key member of the City squad that not only clinched the Vanarama National League title last season but also reached the Quarter Finals of The Emirates FA Cup and his winning goal at Burnley in the Fifth Round projected both player and club onto the worldwide stage.
"The fact that we’ve been able to sell a young player to a Championship club when he was a part-time player this time last year is a huge credit to all involved," added Cowley.
"If Sean continues to make the progress he has made so far then by the time he goes back to Norwich he will most likely be an integral part of their squad."
