Youssouf Mulumbu signs for Norwich

The 28-year-old DR Congo international will join the Canaries on July 1 when his contract at The Hawthorns expires.

Mulumbu becomes the second signing by Norwich since their victory in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, with Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans making his move from West Brom permanent.

“The fact that we’ve been able to pick Youssouf up on a free transfer is a fantastic piece of business," said Canaries boss Alex Neil.

“His arrival will add to the competition for places. We have a strong squad with a lot of players that have done well in the Premier League and Youssouf will bring that competition to the squad.

“He has vast experience of the Premier League but he’s still at a good age. You generally say that a player comes into their peak between 27 and 32, and he’s right in the middle of that.

“He’s another fantastic player to add to an already-strong squad going into the Premier League.”

Mulumbu had been with West Brom since 2009, making 211 appearances.

But following the arrival of Darren Fletcher from Manchester United in January he fell down the pecking order, making just six appearances for the Baggies upon his return from the African Cup of Nations.

A wise acquisition. Norwich can anticipate a battle if they are to cling on to their Premier League status, and in Mulumbu they have a midfield warrior. It's no shame to lose your spot to Darren Fletcher and, at 28, still has plenty to offer.

Whether he can muscle into the Canaries starting XI ahead of Alex Tettey, Jonny Howson, Bradley Johnson and former Baggies team-mate Graham Dorrans remains to be seen, but for a free transfer it's absolutely worth a punt.