BURY have signed former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Leon Clarke on a three-year deal.

The 30-year-old front man was released by Wolves at the end of the season following his second spell at the Championship club and joins the Shakers as a free agent.

He has enjoyed a prolific record over a 12-year career, scoring 91 goals in 322 league appearances, bagging three last season in 29 games at Wolves and on loan at Wigan.

"I am delighted as a manager/coach to be working with Leon Clarke next season and beyond,” said Bury boss David Flitcroft.

"The club, chairman and management team have been working tirelessly for the last three weeks to capture the signature of Leon.

“When we found out a player of his ability and quality was potentially available, we had to do all that we could to secure his services.

"He is pure pedigree and has incredible goal-scoring ability.

“He has the pace, power and intelligence to have a massive impact for us next season.”

Clarke joins a Bury front-line already bursting with experience, with 36-year-old Ryan Lowe signed up for a second season and Danny Nardiello, aged 32, considering the offer of a new contract.

He will also slot in alongside youngsters Hallam Hope and Danny Rose, both 21, who now face a fight to force their way into the starting line-up.

"Leon met up with the management team and chairman at Carrington to discuss the Bury project and our progression as a club, and loved the direction we were heading in,” added Flitcroft, who signed former Championship defender Peter Clarke on Saturday, also on a free transfer.

"He has games on his CV, knowledge and understanding of higher leagues to help guide us in the next stage of our progression.

"The fact that he wants to play such a huge part in our next chapter speaks volumes for both the club and player.

“He wants to be part of our football family and the environment that we and the players have created, and we can offer Leon both.

"It is now up to us as a club to offer Leon a home and training environment where we can maximise his ability and that is what we will do as a club."

Clarke’s switch to Bury is the seventh permanent move of his career, following two spells at Wolves and stays at Sheffield Wednesday, QPR, Charlton and Swindon.

He has also had loan spells at 10 different clubs, including Coventry, Preston and Oldham.