Stoke sign Jermaine Pennant on permanent deal

(GETTY IMAGES)

Stoke have signed winger Jermaine Pennant on a permanent deal from Real Zaragoza following his loan spell.

The former Arsenal player arrived at the Britannia Stadium on a temporary deal in the summer after an unsuccessful spell in Spain.

The Potters have now handed him a two-and-a-half-year deal having completed a deal for an initial £1.725million, which could eventually rise to £2.8million.

Stoke are now awaiting international clearance and the completion of the 27-year-old's registration with the Premier League and Football Association.

Pennant told stokecityfc.com: "I think everyone knows how I feel about being at this football club.

"The supporters, players and management have been absolutely fantastic to me over these past four months and I desperately wanted to stay here because I love it so much.

"I know I have only been here a few months, but it really does feel like I have been here for years. The atmosphere around the place is brilliant, so I am looking forward to the fact that I am here at Stoke now for the long term and back in the best league in the world."

Potters boss Tony Pulis added: "This is fantastic news, just what we all wanted.

"Jermaine has made such a big impact since he has been with us and he has become a big favourite with the supporters, so I know that everyone will be delighted that we have completed this signing.

"The important thing has been getting him comfortable and settled, and now that we have done that I am sure he can go on to play an even bigger part in our plans.

"Natural wingers are hard to come by, but we have two of them with Jermaine on the right and Matty Etherington on the left, so that gives us a real threat down both flanks."