HIGHLY-RATED defender Barnett joined Albion from Luton for an initial £2.5million fee in July 2007.

The 6ft 2in centre-half penned a four-year contract, plus a year's option in the club's favour.

His price could rise by a further £250,000 depending on appearances, plus another £250,000 should he help the club win promotion to the Premiership.

Barnett became the second Luton defender to join the Baggies in a multi-million pound deal in as many years following Curtis Davies' successful £3million switch in August 2005.

He became the first player to represent Luton at Under-17, Under-19, reserves and first-team level in one season when he made his senior debut in an LDV Vans Trophy win over Woking in October 2002.

Following a six-month loan spell at non-league Aylesbury, he made his league debut for Town in a Championship victory against Hull in September 2005.

Barnett went on to establish himself at the heart of the Hatters defence in the second half of that season.

During 2006/07, he made 43 appearances for his hometown club, scoring three times - against Leicester, Stoke and Wolves.

Barnett's towering performances also earned him Luton's official Player-of-the-Year Award.

In total, Barnett made 78 career appearances for Town, including ten as a substitute, scoring three times.

(UPDATED ON AUGUST 31, 2007)