Walsall have signed Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Jed Ward for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old has agreed to a three-year contract, which includes an option for an additional year.

Ward, who progressed through the youth system at Bristol Rovers, completes his first permanent transfer after spending time on loan at several clubs in the fifth and sixth divisions of English football.

The former England Under-20 international proved his consistency last season by starting every National League fixture during his loan spell with Yeovil Town.

“We have tracked Jed’s progress over a long period of time and worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to make this deal a reality, so it’s a real coup for the club,” boss Lee Grant told the club website.

“I look forward to working with him and seeing him out there in front of our supporters.”

Ward becomes the sixth player to join Walsall this summer, joining a list of recruits that includes defender James Connolly, midfielders Sven Sprangler, Lewis Simper and Isaac Moore, and forward Andy Dallas.