Baggies buy Wales defender James Chester for £8m from Hull City

Wales international defender James Chester has made a return to the Premier League, after being relegated last term with Hull City, by signing for Coral’s 10/3 top 10 finish chances West Bromwich Albion for a reported £8m fee.

A graduate of Manchester United’s academy, the 26-year-old has penned a four-year contract at The Hawthorns and becomes the second summer signing for Baggies boss Tony Pulis following Republic of Ireland winger James McClean.

“James did very well for Hull City,” said Pulis. “I’ve had a good chat with him and he’s the type of player I like. He’s young, a strong character, a good defender, he has good feet and he has the Manchester United stamp all over him, just like (Stoke City’s) Ryan Shawcross and Darren Fletcher.

“From the people I spoke to, like Steve Bruce and people in the Welsh party, they speak very highly of him.Steve especially gave him a great mention and there is no better accolade than Steve Bruce giving a defender a good drum roll. James is a good player who can play anywhere along the back line and I’m confident he will get better with age.“

NEW SIGNING: We are delighted to announce the arrival of James Chester from Hull City on a four-year deal #wba pic.twitter.com/JirUWfu7LI

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) July 29, 2015

West Midlands club Albion are also set to sign former Wolves attacker Bakary Sako on a free transfer and hold rumoured interested in out of favour Liverpool frontman Rickie Lambert. Ex-Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby will not be joining them on a pay-as-you-play deal, however, as he has opted for a return to his native France with Marseille.