Joleon Lescott: West Brom sign England defender

West Bromwich Albion have signed England defender Joleon Lescott after his contract at Premier League champions Manchester City ended.

Lescott arrives at the club as a free agent, following five years at City where he won two league titles in three years.

The 31-year-old is new manager Alan Irvine's first signing and joins on a two-year deal.

"I'm delighted we've been able to agree a deal with Joleon," said Irvine.

West Brom fended off competition from Hull City and Stoke City to sign the centre-back, who played only 10 games in Manchester City's title winning campaign last season.

Lescott has previously worked with Irvine in their days at Everton while he is also familiar with Irvine's assistant Rob Kelly from their days together at Lescott's first club, Wolves.

The Baggies added in a statement that the deal has an option of a further year.

"I know Joleon and the type of personality and character he is, in addition to knowing what he can do as a player," added Irvine.

"He's a great professional and he will add to a number of very good professionals who are already in the squad."

The Birmingham-born defender has 26 England caps but has not played for his country since March 2013.

Lescott made his senior debut for Wolves in 2000 before joining Everton in 2006. Three years later, he signed for Manchester City in a deal worth £22m. He has made 538 career appearances and scored 39 goals.