Doncaster have broken their transfer record to sign Sunderland and Republic of Ireland midfielder Sean Thornton in a £175,000 deal.
The fee paid by the ambitious League One outfit beats the £125,000 paid to Bristol City last month for striker Paul Heffernan.
The capture of Thornton, 22, represents a significant coup for Rovers after he played a role in the Black Cats' promotion campaign last term before being told he was surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light.
Doncaster have also signed defender Phil McGuire, 25, from Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee.
Rovers chairman John Ryan said: "This shows our determination to go for it this season by making this the best squad that Rovers have ever had.
"Sean and Phil are the type of quality players we are looking to bring in and they won't be the last."
