The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who played in 35 Barclays Premier League matches for Aston Villa last season, has put pen to paper on a four-year-deal after moving for £3.25million. The club also have the option of adding another year to the deal.

West Brom's newly-promoted rivals Stoke City ruled themselves out of the running for Carson on Thursday - who could cost the club £3.75million depending on performance-related criteria.

His arrival takes the Baggies' summer spending on transfers to an initial £13.75million after the signings of Roman Bednar, Luke Moore, Do-heon Kim, Graham Dorrans, Gianni Zuiverloon and Marek Cech.

Carson stands second in the all-time list of England under-21 appearance-makers with 29 to his name and was part of the team that reached the 2007 European Championships semi-finals.

Then England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson named him in his 2006 World Cup squad and he made two 'B' international appearances for his country before being handed his senior debut in a 1-0 friendly win over Austria in November.

Five days later, with regular number one Paul Robinson out of form, he was thrown in at the deep end in a make-or-break Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia, a match his side lost 3-2.

The 6ft 3in stopper joined Leeds United as a trainee in September 2002 after being spotted playing for non-league Workington in the FA Youth Cup.

He made his Premier League debut for the Elland Road club against Middlesbrough in January 2004.

And 12 months later, with Albion tracking Carson, Liverpool beat off a host of clubs, including Chelsea, to snap him up in a £750,000 deal.

However, his chances at Anfield were limited and a two-month spell at Sheffield Wednesday towards the end of the 2005/06 campaign was swiftly followed by a season-long loan at then Premier League outfit Charlton.

He featured in all but two of the Addicks' league matches and was voted the supporters' player of the year - despite their relegation.