Premier League: Striker Rickie Lambert joins West Brom from Liverpool for estimated $4.1 million

Rickie Lambert has left Liverpool after a solitary season at Anfield to join West Bromwich Albion on a two-year deal, the clubs said on Saturday (AEST).

Lambert, who has 11 caps for England, leaves Merseyside for an undisclosed fee, estimated to be around 3 million pounds ($4.1 million), according to British media reports.

He quickly demonstrated his potential at his new club, scoring twice in West Brom's 4-0 preseason friendly win against Bristol Rovers.

The forward never established himself at Liverpool, scoring only three times in 36 appearances, and had fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of strikers Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Danny Ings in the close season.

"Rickie is a good, strong, solid player who is a great character, good in the dressing-room and good on the pitch," West Brom manager Tony Pulis told the club website

"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."
Lambert, 33, started his career in Liverpool's academy and, after spells at several lower league clubs, joined Southampton where he scored 117 goals in five seasons, including 28 in two campaigns in the Premier League.

He was part of England's World Cup squad in Brazil and earned a move to Liverpool, but struggled to claim a regular place at Anfield despite the club's struggles up front last season.

He was frequently left on the bench as Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers often chose to use Raheem Sterling in a lone centre forward role, even though it was not his preferred position.

He is likely to get far more first-team opportunities under Pulis, whose side begin their Premier League campaign at Manchester City on August 11 (AEST).

Young French midfielder Veretout joins Villa

In other Premier League news, Aston Villa have signed French midfielder Jordan Veretout from Ligue 1 club Nantes on a five-year contract.

The 22-year-old has joined for an undisclosed fee reported in British media to be around seven million pounds ($15 million).

"I'm really pleased Jordan decided to choose Aston Villa over the other options he had and opt to continue his development with us," manager Tim Sherwood told the club's website.

"He is only 22-years-old but he is vastly experienced for someone that age. He has played over 140 games in Ligue 1 and is a really exciting young player.

"I know he is very highly rated over in France so we are delighted to get this deal over the line."

Veretout is the fourth player to arrive at Villa Park from Ligue 1 during the close season following the signings of Jordan Amavi, Idrissa Gueye and Jordan Ayew.