TRANSFER NEWS: NI's Jonny Evans completes cut-price move to Leicester City

The 70-times-capped Northern Ireland international has signed a three-year deal and moved for an undisclosed fee, although it is understood the 2016 Premier League champions activated a relegation clause in his contract to land him for just £3million.

Leicester have reaped the rewards of a lengthy pursuit of the 30-year-old Evans, for whom they tabled a series of bids last summer, the last of which amounted to £23million.

Both Arsenal and Manchester City had previously expressed an interest in the defender, who joined the Baggies from Manchester United in August 2015 in a deal which was eventually worth £8million.

He made 28 Premier League appearances for the club last season, but did not figure in the final six games of the campaign under then caretaker boss Darren Moore and was unable to help them retain their top-flight status as they finished bottom of the table with just 31 points to end an eight-year stay.

Leicester boss Claude Puel will overhaul his defence this summer with Robert Huth set to be released when his contract expires and title-winning skipper Wes Morgan, 34, expected to play a reduced role.

Speaking to LCFC TV, Evans said: "It's great to join and I'm happy it's all gone through. When this opportunity came up, it's one that I couldn't turn down. It's an ambitious club, the owners are ambitious and everyone wants to push the club forward.

"I hope that I can give lots to the team and the club. It's a great place to play football, the fans really get behind the team and the players are fantastic - these are all factors that made me want to sign for this football club."

Puel was delighted to get his hands on a man he described as "a winner and a leader".

He said: "Jonny is a player of great experience in the Premier League and to have him as part of our squad is fantastic news for the football club.

"He knows exactly what it takes, he is a winner and a leader. He will bring a great deal to our squad and I'm delighted to welcome him to Leicester City."