SOMERSET have confirmed the signing of all-rounder Jim Allenby from Glamorgan on a permanent contract, while Craig Meschede is to move in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.

Allenby, 32, scored 969 runs and took 54 wickets in last season’s LV County Championship, as well as impressing in the shorter formats of the game.

Allenby said: “I am delighted to be joining Somerset which is a Club I hold in extremely high regard.

“My aspirations are to win trophies and I am really looking forward to helping Somerset strive to achieve that objective.”

Somerset Director of Cricket, Matt Maynard said Allenby was not a direct replacement for Nick Compton, but was “delighted” to have secured his signature.

He said: “I am delighted that Jim is joining us - not only is he an outstanding player in all formats, he is a great bloke and a strong character and I am sure he will play a key part in helping us to build a cohesive and successful team.”

“Whilst not a like for like replacement for Nick Compton, there is no doubt in my mind that Jim is a superb acquisition to a very talented Somerset squad.”

The 32 year old who was born in Western Australia, but is England qualified, and began his First Class career with Leicestershire where he played between 2006 and 2009, before moving to Glamorgan.

Meschede join Glamorgan on loan for the whole of the 2015 season in a bid to play more first team cricket – Meschede said: “Whilst it will be tough to leave Somerset albeit on loan, I am relishing the opportunity of developing my skills as a professional cricketer and I am really looking forward to the challenges and excitement of joining Glamorgan for the season.”

Director of Cricket, Matt Maynard said: “Craig has been brilliant in recognising that a loan to Glamorgan will enable him to play more first team matches than was likely at Somerset next season.”