Kanu sparks double West Brom transfer splash

Newly-promoted English Premiership side West Brom made a double swoop into the transfer market by signing Nigerian star Kanu, seen here in January 2004, from Arsenal as well as Hungary skipper Zoltan Gera

Newly-promoted English Premiership side West Brom made a double swoop into the transfer market by signing Nigerian star Kanu from Arsenal as well as Hungary skipper Zoltan Gera.

Kanu has signed a three-year deal after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

Kanu, who will be 28 on Sunday, joined Arsenal from Inter Milan for 4.5 million pounds five-and-a-half years ago.

"I felt it was important we signed this type of player as I think it takes us forward not just one step but quite a few steps," Albion manager Gary Megson told the club's website.

"One of the things I mentioned to Kanu was that we would be bringing in other players. And while he will make a difference to us, it's important we don't just think this signing will transform us overnight, although it is a massive signing for us."

The Nigeria international scored 44 goals in 198 appearances for Arsenal after making his debut in February 1999 and is believed to have taken a considerable cut in pay on joining the Baggies.

With Arsenal he collected the Premiership and FA Cup double in 2002, adding another FA Cup winner's medal a year later when he was on the substitutes' bench - a familiar scene for him in his Highbury days.

West Brom also signed Middlesbrough midfielder Jonathan Greening on Thursday.

Later Friday, midfielder Gera agreed a three-year deal, with the option of a further year, after his 1.5-million-pound transfer from Ferencvaros.

Gera, who was made captain of his country by German national coach Lothar Mattheus, is an attacking midfielder who can also play as a striker.

The 25-year-old was also being tracked by fellow Premiership new-boys Crystal Palace as well as French side Lens, Russia's Spartak Moscow and Borussia Monchengladbach of Germany.

"This is our third signing of the past few days and again I'm really pleased Zoltan has agreed to join us," said Megson.

"He's the captain of Hungary, really enthusiastic and wants to prove himself in England."