Last updated 21:24, Wednesday, 25 June 2008

CARLISLE UNITED goalkeeper Keiren Westwood has finally clinched his move to Coventry in a deal worth £750,000 to the Cumbrians.

United will get £500,000 up front from the Sky Blues with the rest linked to appearances and Westwood helping Chris Coleman’s Championship side into the Premier League.

A sell-on clause, believed to be 25 per cent, has also been written into the keeper’s contract meaning the Blues will benefit if he hits further heights in his promising career.

Westwood, 23, has signed a three-year deal at the Ricoh Arena and was due to be unveiled in a press conference this afternoon.

He will join his new team-mates on pre-season tours of Austria, Switzerland and Scotland, starting June 30, and could make his full debut for the 1987 FA Cup winners in their first league game against Norwich at the Ricoh on August 9.

Coventry have always been the leading contenders for Westwood’s signature despite tentative interest from other Championship clubs.

Coleman is understood to have registered his interest with United nearly three weeks ago and the Welshman has finally landed the Republic of Ireland hopeful.

Westwood – who United picked up for nothing in 2004 after his release from Man City – is regarded as one of the most impressive goalkeepers outside the top-flight and was last season voted into the PFA League One team of the season along with Blues defender Danny Livesey.

His move to the West Midlands ends a successful four-year stay at United, who have opted to cash in on their prized asset now rather than risk losing him for nothing at the end of his contract next summer.

United boss John Ward will now step up his attempt to sign a new goalkeeper to compete with Chris Howarth for the number one jersey next season.

Ward is in talks with three potential signings this week and his hoping to make significant progress by the weekend.

The Blues chief has refused to comment on rumours that Cheltenham ‘custodian’keeper Shane Higgs could be among his targets.