Peterborough United bring in Luke James

Peterborough United have completed the signing of striker Luke James from Hartlepool United.

The 19-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with his new club, joining for an undisclosed fee.

He will wear the number nine shirt at London Road after it was vacated by Britt Assombalonga following his £5.5m move to Nottingham Forest earlier this summer.

"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," manager Darren Ferguson told the club's official website.

"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."

James has already made 100 appearances in the Football League and scored 14 goals in all competitions for Hartlepool last season.

"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," James added.

"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."

Peterborough, who currently sit top of League One having won four of their opening five matches, face Leyton Orient in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tomorrow night.