Versatility, experience and fitting homegrown criteria all added to the appeal of signing winger Ben Marshall from Wolves for Norwich City.
The Canaries announced the signing of the 27-year-old for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £1.5m, on Saturday with the former Blackburn man signing a four-year contract.
Marshall spent the second half of last season with Millwall, scoring three goals and setting up another five during 16 appearances. The Lions had also bid for their former loanee but it was City who won the race.
'Ben is a very versatile player. He can play on the right and left side of defence and midfield,' head coach Daniel Farke said.
'When he plays on the left, he likes to cut in on his strong right foot. This helps him be a threat close to the opponents box. Also his set-pieces are really good. In addition to that, he's a really nice guy. Whoever I spoke to – whether it was players, coaches or agents – praised his character. We're very pleased to have him.'
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Marshall scored twice in 25 appearances for Wolves after joining from Blackburn for around £2m but was left on the fringes as big-spending Wanderers romped to the Championship title.
'We're always looking for a balance,' Farke added, speaking to City's website. 'We have some experienced lads like Alex Tettey, Timm Klose and Grant Hanley but then we have some really young lads.
'It's also good to have a homegrown player right now with this experience in a really good age. It's a very good addition to our squad.'
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Marshall sought the advice of two former Canaries, Wolves team-mates John Ruddy and Ryan Bennett, as well as current City defender Grant Hanley, who he played with at Blackburn.
'I spoke to Grant, John Ruddy and Benno and they all spoke really highly of the club,' he added. 'After hearing that, it was a bonus.
'I was on the bench for Wolves against Norwich last season (when Wanderers won 2-0 at Carrow Road). It's a passing side and they looked exciting and have got some good players. Keeping the ball is part and parcel of the game and having a lot of possession helps. I'm really looking forward to the way the gaffer wants to play.'
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