Lancashire complete expected signing of England One-Day International wicketkeeper Jos Buttler after Somerset exit

The 23-year-old had been widely linked with a move to Old Trafford after his contract with his local side expired last week

Jos Buttler has completed his move to Lancashire (GETTY IMAGES)

Lancashire have confirmed the signing of England one-day wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

The 23-year-old, who has played 19 one-day internationals and 25 Twenty20 internationals for England, was widely expected to move to Old Trafford after deciding not to renew his contract with Somerset.

Taunton-born Buttler opted to leave his local side in a bid to further his career as a wicketkeeper after competing with team-mate Craig Kieswetter for a regular spot behind the stumps at Somerset.

Although Buttler is ahead of the South African-born 25-year-old in England's pecking order, he has been largely used solely as a batsman for the west country side this season.

The big-hitting batsman is likely to be the first-choice wicketkeeper at Lancashire after it was announced Gareth Cross would not be offered a new deal with the LV= County Championship Division Two champions.

Buttler said: "I am delighted to be joining Lancashire County Cricket Club. They have a strong squad and are very ambitious to build on this season's achievement.

"The club has an exceptional coaching staff which will help me to continue to develop as a keeper-batsman.

"Lancashire have a talented group of players who will be looking to challenge for all three competitions. They have been there or thereabouts in recent seasons in the T20 competition and I know for certain that Lancashire Lightning will want to make a mark in the NatWest T20 next year."

Lancashire's cricket director Mike Watkinson said: "We are delighted to bring Jos to Emirates Old Trafford. He is a regular England International and has demonstrated that he is growing as a cricketer. His talent and ability match our ambitions going forward."

PA