Saracens have confirmed the signing of England and Northampton Saints winger Chris Ashton.

The Premiership champions have been strongly linked with the prolific tryscorer and the long-term deal, which will start this summer, has finally been confirmed.

Ashton tweeted: "I've decided to join Saracens from next season... until then it's all about Saints."

The 24-year-old was the top tryscorer at the Six Nations and shared the honour with Vincent Clerc at last year's World Cup (both six).

Ashton has scored 15 tries in 18 appearances, which included four against Italy last year. His club form is equally impressive, with 90 tries in 106 games.

But the winger, who is renowned for his ‘Ash Splash’ swallow dive try-scoring celebrations, was recently banned for four weeks after pulling the hair of Leicester’s Alesana Tuilagi.

The England star was also reportedly dropped from the Saints team for their game against Munster this weekend after a row with director of rugby Jim Mallinder at training on Wednesday.

Despite accusations of the move being fuelled by money, it is understood that a major reason behind Ashton’s decision was the chance to link up with England and Sarries coach Andy Farrell.

Ashton is also good friends with former Wigan Warriors team-mate Joel Tomkins and he will be reunited with him next season at Sarries.

His arrival will give the Men in Black one of the strongest backlines in the country with Brad Barritt, Owen Farrell, Charlie Hodgson and David Strettle all set to be involved in the England Six Nations campaign next month.