Rickie Lambert completes West Bromwich Albion switch from Liverpool

The England international has penned a two-year deal and goes straight into the squad for tonight's game at Bristol Rovers - his former club.

Press Association Sport understands the Baggies have paid just under £3million for the 33-year-old, meaning the Reds will make a loss of more than a £1million on the player who only joined them from Southampton last summer.

The fee was agreed around lunchtime on Friday and Lambert travelled down to Birmingham for a medical ahead of the deal being completed late in the day.

His move to Liverpool 13 months ago was touted as a dream return for a player rejected by the club's academy, but it quickly became apparent things were not going to work out and Lambert turned down a move to West Brom's midlands rivals Aston Villa in January after the Reds accepted he was no longer part of manager Brendan Rodgers' plans.

He has been handed the No.17 shirt for the 2015/16 Premier League campaign.

Tony Pulis spoke of the influence Lambert can bring to his squad.

"Rickie is a good, strong, solid player who is a great character, good in the dressing room and good on the pitch," said the Albion head coach.

"We are very pleased to have him on board.

"He's a player of great pedigree and we look forward to integrating him into our squad."