Stoke City are delighted to announce that Danny Higginbotham has today rejoined the club from Barclays Premier League rivals Sunderland.

The 29-year old defender has penned a three year deal at the Britannia Stadium after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee over the weekend.

The former Manchester United defender made 22 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring three goals, after signing from the Potters for £3,000,000 just twelve months ago.

He recently started for Roy Keane's side during their 1-0 victory against Tottenham at White Hart Lane last week putting in a commanding performance in defence.

Announcing the news, a delighted Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "Danny is a player we know very well and we are very happy to have him back here.

"His character and leadership qualities are both absolutely first class and we know exactly what we are getting from him.

"He was a huge success here last time and he did very well at Sunderland, so to get him back here is brilliant news for us."