Potters land Beattie

Striker signs two-and-a-half-year deal at the Britannia Stadium

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 12th January 2009

Potters land Beattie

Beattie: Back in the big time

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Stoke have completed the signing of James Beattie from Sheffield United for a fee which could rise to £3.5million.

The 30-year-old striker has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Potters, bringing to an end a productive 18-month spell at Bramall Lane.

Beattie, who has been capped five times by England, has scored 34 goals during his two seasons in the Championship.

Stoke have been tracking the burly frontman for some time and the club's chief executive Tonty Scholes is thrilled to have got his man.

"We are absolutely delighted to have fought off competition from other top-flight clubs to secure James' signature," he told the club's official website.

"He is a proven goalscorer with proven international and Premier League experience, and by signing a player like him it shows how far this club has progressed."

Proven

Potters boss Tony Pulis also welcomed the arrival of added firepower to his squad.

"James is a player who has an absolutely phenomenal goalscoring record and I am delighted to have him here," he said.

"He has averaged more than a goal every other game for Sheffield United, and he has a proven record of scoring in the top-flight.

"He is someone I have admired for a very, very long time.

"We have signed two fantastic players in Matthew Etherington and James Beattie, but we are still looking for two or three more before the closure of the window."