Leeds United striker Michael Ricketts has joined Southend United initially on a free transfer. The ex-England international has put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Southend chief executive Geoffrey King told his club’s official website: “We’re understandably delighted to have signed Michael as we believe he will be a great acquisition for Southend.

“Shaun Goater proved last year what an experienced face can bring to the side and we hope Michael will prove just as successful.

“It’s important that we make the right signings and both Steve Tilson and Paul Brush believe Michael has the right qualities.”

Portsmouth have signed Chelsea defender Glen Johnson on a one-year loan deal.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp told his club’s official website: “It is no secret that I have long admired Glen.

“He is a top defender and will continue to get better, so this is a real top quality capture for us.

“The lad has a great future ahead of him. He is already an outstanding defender and the kind of player most Premier League sides would give their right arm for.”

Johnson added: “Moving to Portsmouth is a great opportunity for me to play regular Premier League football again and hopefully force myself back into the England setup ahead of the next European Championships.

“The club have big ambitions and I’m looking forward to playing a part in them.”

Celtic striker John Hartson has returned to English football by joining West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee. The 31-year-old signed a two-year deal.

West Brom assistant manager Nigel Pearson told his club’s official website: “He’s been a player we’ve had in our minds for a while and we’re just delighted he’s now a West Brom player.

“It’s a great signing for this football club and he adds to the quality we’ve got.

“His goalscoring record is excellent and he’ll give us something we’ve been lacking.

“He’s got a lot of experience, a winning mentality and I’m sure he’ll be fantastic in the dressing room.

“We’ve got to make sure we bounce back as quickly as we can and John will be a big part of that.”

Sheffield United have raided France to sign Troyes striker Christian Nade on a three-year contract.

United manager Neil Warnock told his club’s official website: “He’s a strong, quick, central striker, not exactly your English targetman but he can hold the ball up well and turn with pace to get away a shot or create opportunities for others. His English is not great at the moment but he is keen to learn, both on and off the pitch.”

Nade added: “It is a dream come true for me to come to England to play. I could have stayed in France and at Troyes but this is a great opportunity for me.”