Shrewsbury Town sign Tranmere star Oliver Norburn

The 25-year-old has been a target for boss John Askey, who has worked with him before at Macclesfield, all summer.

And Town are understand to have paid a significant fee to secure his signing on a three-year deal.

Norburn was a key figure as Rovers won promotion from the National League play-offs this season and boss Micky Mellon, formerly of Town, was holding out for a sizeable fee for his prize asset.

The talented attack-minded player, with a rocket long shot, joins a substantial list of midfielders at Montgomery Waters Meadow including signings Doug Loft, Anthony Grant, Charlie Colkett, Josh Laurent and Greg Docherty.

Askey was delighted to see persistence pay off as he finally secured one of his top summer targets.

The boss said: “I know a lot about Ollie. He had a really good season, last season. He’s got all the attributes to be a good player at this level.

“With knowing him, that helps. He’s coming here looking to push on. He’s got the attributes to do it but he has to show he can."

Salop's chief continued: “He’s a good footballer, very athletic and can get the odd goal. He wants to win and that’s one of his main attributes."

Norburn spent time with the Chelsea and Leicester academies before making his way in the Football League. He made more than 50 appearances for Bristol Rovers.

Askey likened his career path to that of Jon Nolan, who left for Ipswich yesterday.

“I think a lot of lads like Ollie need games, they tend to drop down the leagues, get the games in and come good again. They have the ability; it’s just the lack of games they haven’t got under their belt," said Askey.

“Ollie is one of those, similar to Jon Nolan where it has taken them time, but the ability has always been there, they just need a chance.

“He’s strong, he’s about six foot, but the main thing is that he can get around the park and he can keep the ball.

“He can score from distance, he’s got a good strike on him, so hopefully he can do that for us.

“He’s used to winning and that mentality can only be good. Week in week out he’s been used to winning.”