STOKE have signed striker Dave Kitson from Reading for a club record £5.5 million.
The 28-year-old has agreed a three-year deal to become Potters boss Tony Pulis' first summer signing. Pulis told the club'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 t
eam."
Kitson scored 54 goals in 111 appearances for Reading but has decided to move on following the club's relegation from the Barclays Premier League. Pulis added: "I've seen a lot of him over the years and have 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."
Pulis had threatened to break the club's transfer record earlier in the week with a £4million approach for goalkeeper Scott Carson. The club, however, withdrew from the chase and the England international has now opted for West Brom.
Reading manager Steve Coppell said, "Dave was one of my first signings and I'd like to thank him for his contribution over the last four and a half years. I am sad to see him leave but it was his wish to play in the Premier League and Stoke have offered that avenue.
"We wish him the best of luck but his departure will open the door for the players who remain to demand a consistent role in the team."
There is no sell-on clause to Cambridge and Reading director of football Nick Hammond added, "Once Steve had decided that it was in the club's best interests for the deal to be done, it was my task to generate the maximum income. This has been achieved and the money is now available for Steve to strengthen the squad as and when he sees fit."
Meanwhile, Liverpool winger Adam Hammill, who was on loan at Dunfermline last year, has signed a new three-year contract at Anfield before joining Blackpool on a six-month loan deal. The 20-year-old spent last season with Southampton, where he made 28 appearances, and he has now joined up with another Championship club in order to gain more first-team experience.
• Serie A side Atalanta could be given a six-point penalty this season if they are found guilty of attempted match-fixing last term, the Italian football federation (FIGC) said.
Livorno, relegated last season, may suffer the same points deduction in Serie B if an Italian federation commission decides against them. A ruling is expected at the start of next week, FIGC said in a statement.
Atalanta's Gian Paolo Bellini and former Livorno captain David Balleri were charged by the federation earlier this month with seeking to fix the results of the two league games between the clubs last season.
The full article contains 527 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
