Carter's career statistics

Watson, 31, is out of contract at Goodison Park and held talks with West Brom boss Bryan Robson at the club's training ground on Monday.

Carter, 21, signed after passing a medical on Monday and manager Bryan Robson said: "I'm really pleased we've added Darren to the squad.

"He is a very promising youngster who has a big future ahead of him."

Robson added: "Darren has very good stamina and is very much a box-to-box player who can play in the centre of midfield or wide on the left.

"He is also left footed which gives us good balance in the squad, he has a good presence and he'll also make improvements when he gets a run in the team.

"Like Richard Chaplow, he has a big future if he keeps his feet on the ground - he is a good investment for the club."

Watson has yet to make his mind up whether to join West Brom after five seasons at Goodison Park.

The 31-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, has been offered a new deal to stay at Everton but is uncertain where he would fit into boss David Moyes' plans.

If Kieran (Richardson) is going to go out on loan, he'll be at West Brom next season West Brom boss Bryan Robson

Meanwhile, Robson expects to know by the end of the week whether he can take midfielder Kieran Richardson on loan for another season.

The Manchester United player was an influential figure in West Brom's Premiership survival.

But Richardson's stock was also raised when he scored two goals on his England debut in Chicago last month and will now discuss where his future lies with Sir Alex Ferguson this week.

"There will be a few people after Kieran after the way he performed for us last season and then what he did for England," said Robson.

"But his future will not be resolved until Sir Alex Ferguson has had a word with Kieran and his dad.