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Baggies complete signing of Villa youngster Moore

28/05/2008

Newly-promoted Premier League side West Bromwich Albion have turned striker Luke Moore's long-term loan from Aston Villa into a permanent move.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Baggies on loan in February and made three starts and seven substitute appearances, cost the Championship title-winners £3 million.

Moore won his fifth England under-21 cap in March's goalless draw with Poland and has penned a three-year deal with West Brom, who have the option of a further year.

According to the club, the fee for Moore could rise by a further £500,000 "depending on performance-related criteria".

Manager Tony Mowbray - who largely favoured Kevin Phillips, Roman Bednar and Ishmael Miller up front during the second half of the 2007/08 season - said he believes Moore will have a part to play in the club's first campaign back in the top flight.

"I think Luke will be happy to start next season afresh, with everyone on a level pegging trying to force their way into the starting line-up," he told the club's official website.

"That's the way it will be. They'll all have an opportunity in pre-season to get to maximum fitness as quickly as they can and perform in the pre-season games.

"I'm sure Luke will be looking forward to that, as opposed to coming in more than halfway through the season when the team were up and running and scoring goals."