LONDON. July 6: Chelsea said yesterday they had signed unsettled Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton for 10 million pounds (15.76 million dollars), reports Reuters.

He has agreed a six-year contract with the English Premier League club.

Sutton, who played only 20 games last season because of injury, had been transfer-listed at his own request after Blackburn were relegated last season.

After completing his move to the high-profile London club, Sutton said: "This is a massive move for me. I'm sure Chelsea are going to win things.

"When I heard they had come in for me I was very keen to get to London as quickly as possible. I've always admired the way Chelsea play and 1 hope I fit in,"

Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli said: "Ten million pounds is a lot of money but I think sometimes you have to spend money if you want to improve the team.

"I have no doubt he will be a great asset to the club and will score a lot of goals."

Sutton, who made one brief appearance for England as a substitute against Cameroon in November 1997, was recalled to the international fold by coach Kevin Keegan for the European Championship game against Poland in March. But he was unable to play because of injury.

The fee is the third largest between two English sides. Only Newcastle United's Alan Shearer and Manchester United's Dwight Yorke cost more.

Newcastle paid Blackbum 15 millions pounds for Shearer and United paid Aston Villa 12.6 million pounds for Yorke.