Peterborough United secure signing of Hartlepool striker Luke James for an undisclosed fee.
Peterborough United Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Hartlepool United front man Luke James for an undisclosed fee, with the highly-rated front man penning a four-year contract at London Road.James has passed a medical and has been handed the number nine shirt vacated by Britt Assombalonga. James, who has made 100 appearances in the Football League at the age of just 19, netted 14 goals in all competitions for Pools' last term.
Boss Darren Ferguson was thrilled with the signing: 'I am delighted to get this bit of business done. I think everyone is aware that we have been interested in Luke for quite a while. We have had to be patient, but we have used our experience from other deals in this transfer.
'I am grateful to my chairman and to Barry Fry for getting this deal over the line. We are delighted to get him. We felt we needed a number nine. He is a goal-scorer, he has a great attitude and he can't wait to get started.
'I am looking forward to working with Luke. It has dragged on a bit, but it is pleasing everything is sorted and he will be in the squad for Tuesday night's JPT tie with Leyton Orient. We have done some excellent work in bringing the players' we have over the last few weeks,' Ferguson said.
James said: 'I am over the moon that everything is completed and I am now a Peterborough United player. As soon as I knew about the interest I wanted to come to the football club. Peterborough is a great club and I am thrilled to be here.
'Peterborough are a club that are going places. I spoke to Jack Baldwin and he told me what a great club it is and I just can't wait to get started. I have been at Hartlepool a long time. I want to thank them for all they have done for me. I have been there a very long time, but I felt the time was right.
'It was too good an opportunity to turn down. I am very excited about playing my football in League One. It is a new environment, but hopefully I can hit the ground running,' James said.