Luton Town boss Nathan Jones says Amari’i Bell had been a target for 12 months after signing the left back on a free transfer after leaving Rovers.

Bell is the first of the players released by Rovers to seal a move to a second-tier club after joining the Hatters, who haven’t disclosed the length of his contract.

The 27-year-old was let go by Rovers, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half year stay at Ewood Park having joined for an undisclosed fee from Fleetwood Town in January 2018. He played 12 times as the club secured promotion to the Championship, and made 99 appearances in all, including the final three of Rovers’ 2020/21 season.

Bell was one of the players whose departure was announced when the club published their retained list in the wake of the season ending, but along with Charlie Mulgrew (Dundee United) and Elliott Bennett (Shrewsbury Town) has now found a new home.

In moving to Kenilworth Road he became the Hatters’ sixth summer signing as they aim to build on last season’s impressive 12th-placed finish, and boss Jones believes his side have made a smart addition.

“Amari’i was on my list a year ago, but it wasn’t possible to get him,” the Welshman explained.

“Amari’i is one I kept an eye on when I was out of work. I watched a lot of players and he was one I really flagged up as one I’d like to bring to the football club.

“He has real good athleticism and experience of the lower leagues, but also of the Championship.

“He’s been at a very good football club at Blackburn, so we know he comes with good pedigree, and again, he had a number of very good offers, and at no point are we their biggest offer financially, so all of them have come here for the right reasons and that’s why we are delighted with the work we have done. Amari’i is another one of those we are excited about.

“We believe we’ve got a good signing and are looking forward to working with him.”

Bell has been away on international duty with Jamaica, having won his first cap in March, and his probable involvement in next month’s Gold Cup will likely see him miss the early part of the season.

The club announced in May that Bell’s contract wouldn’t be extended, joining Mulgrew, Lewis Holtby, Stewart Downing and Corry Evans, with Elliott Bennett having since moved on and Harry Chapman expected to follow suit.

Bell is the latest promotion-winner to part ways with Rovers, but did so after an enjoyable three years

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Blackburn Rovers for the memories of the last three-and-a-half years,” Bell wrote on social media after the move was confirmed.

“From everyone on the coaching staff to the people at Ewood Park and Brockhall that make the club tick, the fans who welcomed me from day one and the players who have been my team-mates. To play with you and for you has been a privilege.

“Blackburn is a great club full of good people. I wish you nothing but the best for the future.”

Downing is expected to hang up his boots and bring the curtain down on his career after leaving Rovers, while Holtby is set to return to his native Germany.

Evans has Championship interest, but despite strong links with Stoke City, a reunion with former international boss Michael O’Neill appears unlikely at this stage.