Stoke City are delighted to announce the signing of Reading striker Dave Kitson for a club record fee of £5,500,000.

Kitson, 28, has penned a three-year deal at the Britannia Stadium and becomes Tony Pulis' first summer signing.

The 6ft 3in hit-man bagged 54 goals in just 111 league appearances for the Royals and has been widely tipped to receive an international call up by England boss Fabio Capello.

Announcing the deal, Chairman Peter Coates said: "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."

Manager Pulis added: "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 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."