The 27-year-old centre-back has signed a three-year contract at the Baggies and is training with his new team-mates for the first time today. He is expected to feature against Aberdeen on Friday.

Bartley is Darren Moore’s second signing of the summer, following goalkeeper Sam Johnstone’s arrival from Manchester United for £6.5m.

Albion beat Leeds United to his signature in a deal worth £4m up front, plus an extra £2m in potential add-ons that require the Baggies being promoted back to the Premier League.

“After speaking with Darren I knew this was the place I wanted to be,” said Bartley. “He let me know his ideas for the season and the next few years, his ambitions for the club and he told me about the fan base and the facilities. I’m hoping to be involved quickly.”

Bartley is a welcome addition to Albion’s backline that had been left bare by the exits of Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley.

“I’m absolutely delighted Kyle has joined us,” said Moore. “He’s got great presence about him and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Born in Stockport, Bartley was a youth team player at Bolton before Arsenal signed him at the age of 16.

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He lifted the FA Youth Cup with the Gunners before joining Swansea in 2012 for £1m.

Bartley struggled to cement his place in the first team in South Wales, but did enjoy successful loan spells in the Championship at both Birmingham City and Leeds.

The Yorkshire club were keen to bring Bartley back to Elland Road, but Albion beat them to his signature.

It is an important signing for the Baggies, who have already lost Evans to Leicester and released McAuley this summer.

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Craig Dawson is also agitating for a move away, with Burnley and West Ham interested, and is yet to feature in a pre-season match. Ahmed Hegazi has a £10m release clause.

However, centre-back Jack Fitzwater has emerged as a credible candidate for a place in the senior squad.

The 20-year-old impressed during a loan spell at League One Walsall in the second half of the last campaign and has looked assured in the club’s opening two friendlies of summer.