ALBION can confirm their first signing of the summer of 2017 with Jay Rodriguez joining the Club from Premier League rivals Southampton.

The 27-year-old forward has signed a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Jay will meet his new team-mates tomorrow when the players report back for training as the Baggies begin shaping up for the Club's eighth consecutive Premier League campaign.

But after the handshakes and greetings it will be down to hard work immediately as he then jets off to Austria with the Baggies and the first phase of the pre-season schedule.

"After one or two 'near misses' I'm absolutely buzzing to be here," says Jay, referring to Albion's two previously thwarted attempts to recruit him from the St Mary's Stadium.

"The most important thing for any player is to be wanted – and Tony Pulis and Albion have made it clear just how much they have wanted me to join. That's fantastic for any footballer to hear.

"I'm genuinely delighted to be joining a club of Albion's stature. The team is full of top players and it's pretty clear that they are also a great set of lads."

Head Coach Tony Pulis tried to land Jay a year ago and again in the January window only for Saints to remain reluctant to do business.

Chairman John Williams commented: "I am delighted to welcome Jay to The Hawthorns. We tried to sign him during the previous two windows and it's third time 'deal done.' Our persistence has been rewarded.

"Jay is a proven Premier League striker, an England international and a player who will give Tony more attacking options."