James Vaughan admitted it was a 'no-brainer' to become Paul Lambert's first signing of the summer.

The 22-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a three-year contract as the City manager's squad rebuilding for the new season begins to take shape.

Lambert confirmed that out-of-contract duo Matt Gill and Jens Berthel Askou have been told they are free to find new clubs, and said there had been inquiries from Aberdeen boss Craig Brown for two other players, believed to be left back Steven Smith and midfielder Stephen Hughes.

For Vaughan, it is very much a new beginning, having been with Everton since he was six years old, although his last two season have been punctuated with loan spells.

'As soon as I found out there was interest from here it was pretty much a no-brainer for me,' said Vaughan during a press call at Carrow Road on Tuesday afternoon. 'I was excited as soon as I heard about it. I was glad to get it done as soon as we did.

'I think it is a club definitely going in the right direction. I could tell from when I played here last season there was a great togetherness around the place and everyone looking to strive forward and do the best they can.

'I am very determine to do the best I can and I think it shows in what the club has done in the last couple of seasons that everyone here is looking to do the same.

'I had been at Everton for a long time, but I felt it was time to make the breakaway and get some games and try and further my career so I am glad I have had the opportunity to come here.'

Lambert has again struck early in the transfer market, bringing in a player who he tried to sign in January.

'We looked at it in January and we couldn't do it, so we just had to move on and we were fortunate enough to get a second chance at him.

'I think the great thing about him is he has played at Premiership level before, he knows what it is all about, he is only 22 and hopefully his best years are in front of him.'