NORWICH City have agreed a deal to sign Barnsley forward Marley Watkins on a free transfer from Saturday, July 1 upon the expiration of his contract at Oakwell.

The 26-year-old made 42 Sky Bet Championship appearances for The Tykes last term, scoring ten times, with such form recently recognised by a maiden call-up to Wales’ senior squad.

Speaking exclusively to canaries.co.uk after agreeing terms on a deal until 2020 with the option of a further year in the Club's favour, Watkins said: "Norwich is a club with ambitions to be in the Premier League so I’m really happy to have made this decision.

"Everything is in place at Norwich to be successful. I’m really excited to be joining a project at a team whose ambitions match my own."

Watkins made his professional breakthrough at Cheltenham Town, taking in stints at Bath City and Hereford before joining Scottish side Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the summer of 2013.

He flourished north of the border, with ten goals in 56 starts for Thistle earning a move to Barnsley two years later where he maintained his impressive strike-rate.

Watkins represents the first addition to the squad since Daniel Farke’s appointment at Carrow Road towards the end of last week.

Reflecting on the signing, City’s new Head Coach said: "Marley played brilliantly last season and is proven at this level.

"He scored ten goals and got nine assists, and can play either as a forward or on the wing. He’s physical and a good character who gives us another option in attack.

"I’m really looking forward to working with him."