Crawley boss Steve Evans believes Tyrone Barnett will be worth every penny after winning the race to sign the striker from Macclesfield Town.

The 25-year-old joined for an undisclosed fee. He was the top scorer at Moss Rose with 13 goals last season and the League Two outfit were keen to hang on to him despite interest from a number of clubs.

Watford were linked with a £75,000 swoop for Barnett in January while he was also a target for Crewe Alexandra with Macclesfield insisting it would take “a very good bid” to capture the striker.

Crawley made an initial approach for the former West Brom trainee two weeks ago but were told to return with a “realistic” offer.

Evans finally met Macclesfield’s valuation on Tuesday and Barnett put pen to paper yesterday after passing a medical at Broadfield Stadium.

Evans said: “Tyrone is a great signing for us. The lad had a brilliant season and we have watched and analysed him for around six months so you can say we know enough about him.

“He is magnificent in the air and has a great touch for such a big lad.Tyrone gets all sorts of goals and that is the sign of a top-class striker at whatever level they play.

‘’It feels like I have been talking to Macclesfield chairman Mike Rance for a long time although the reality is about ten days. Our dealings have always been done in a very courteous and professional manner and I thank Mike for that.”

Barnett has only had one season in the Football League after plying his trade in the non-league game following his release by West Brom.

The 6ft3in marksman enjoyed prolific spells with Rushall Olympic, Telford United and Hednesford Town before being picked up by Macclesfield last May.

He made an immediate impact at Moss Rose and his initial one-year deal was extended by another 12 months after just three games while he went on to win the supporters’ club player of the season award.

Barnett will face stiff competition to win a place in the Crawley attack from Tubbs and fellow new signings Wes Thomas and John Akinde but is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: “I enjoyed my time at Macclesfield but the time was right to move on and I am delighted to be joining such an ambitious club. The facilities on offer are fantastic for a player at this level and I cannot wait to get started.

“Steve Evans spoke to me in depth about what my role in the team would be but he made it clear I had to fight for my place. I don’t mind that challenge.

“Like a lot of players I watched last season as Crawley stormed the Conference and took on and beat some big clubs in the FA Cup and it looks like they have some top players.”

Barnett becomes Crawley’s sixth signing of the summer along with Thomas, Akinde, Scott Davies, Hope Akpan and Jamie Day and could complete Evans’ transfer activity ahead of the League Two campaign.

Reds returned to pre-season training yesterday and fly to Portugal at the weekend for a training camp which includes a friendly against SC Olhanense on Monday, July 11.