West Bromwich Albion have a confirmed a “major coup” as they have signed Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott on a free transfer.

The England international’s contract at the Etihad will expire on June 30 and has now become the Baggies manager Alan Irvine’s first signing of the summer. The former Everton centre-back join West Brom on a two-year contract, with an arrangement to extend it to one more year based on the performance.

“Former Everton and Man City defender reunites with Irvine. ALBION have pulled off a major coup by beating a host of clubs to the signing of England international Joleon Lescott,” a statement read on West Brom’s official website.

“The 31-year-old centre-half will officially join the Baggies on a Bosman transfer in July, after passing a Hawthorns medical and penning a two-year contract, plus a further performance-related year’s option.”

Lescott will reunite with Irvine at The Hawthorns as the two spent time together at Everton. The Baggies new manager is delighted with his first signing for West Brom.

“I’m delighted we’ve been able to agree a deal with Joleon. He’s an England international and a proven Premier League player, who has been at the top level for a number of years,” Irvine said.

“He’s got Premier League and cup medals to his name and has had a fantastic career so far. When we realised he was available and there was a realistic chance of getting him here we started to work very hard on it.