Stoke have confirmed the club-record £5.5million capture of Reading striker Dave Kitson, who has penned a three-year deal at the Britannia.The Potters have been in talks with Kitson all day and have now completed the deal after the 28-year-old passed a medical at the club.

Kitson scored 54 goals in just 111 games for Reading, including 10 in the Premier League last term, and was linked with an England call-up when Fabio Capello took charge of the national team earlier this year.

Tony Pulis has taken his time to make his first signing of the summer, but he could hide his delight after tying up Kitson.

He told City's official website: "I think he's a natural goalscorer with great ability, while he's one that will work his socks off for the team.

"I've seen a lot of him over the years and been impressed with his attitude from afar, particularly his ability to adapt to the challenge of moving into higher divisions throughout his career at Cambridge and Reading.

"His Premier League experience experience over the past two seasons with Reading is also an important asset for us because we need players who've been there.

"And I don't believe the size of any fee will trouble him. He'll take all that in his stride."

Chaiman Peter Coates added: "We are absolutely delighted to sign a player of the calibre of Dave Kitson.

"It has taken a little while to complete but he will be a fantastic acquisition for this football club.

"We have paid a lot of money for him but we are now in a position where we can compete for top class players, and I believe that is what David is."

The Potters have called a press conference for 10.15 on Saturday morning where they will unveil Kitson and possibly one other player.

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