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Premier League

New Stoke midfielder Dean Whitehead is looking forward to a new challenge after ending his stay at Sunderland.

The 27-year-old on Friday signed a four-year contract after the clubs agreed a £3million fee, which could eventually rise to £5million.

Although it was a difficult decision to leave the Stadium of Light the former Black Cats captain is relishing joining Stoke's Premier League campaign.

"I have had a good time there, met some fantastic people and played with some fantastic players, many of whom I will stay in touch with," said Whitehead.

"It was hard to leave but I think the time was right for me to change and have a fresh start.

"I am delighted to be here at Stoke and can't wait for the challenge to begin."

Whitehead will be reunited with former Sunderland team-mates Liam Lawrence, Rory Delap and Danny Higginbotham and another ex-Black Cat in goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

"There are a few lads here I already know which I'm sure will help me settle in," he told Stoke City Player.

"I know Lenny (Lawrence) very well and we know each other's games inside out so hopefully we can show that on the pitch and work well together here.

"The manager (Tony Pulis) has been brilliant, I have spoken to him a few times. He has great plans for this place and as soon as I heard what he said, I wanted to be part of it.

"Last year was a fantastic season for everyone here and hopefully I can help push the club on even more."

Pulis said the signing of Whitehead, who made almost 200 appearances for Sunderland, showed the Potters could be a force to be reckoned with in their second Barclays Premier League campaign having defied expectations to survive their maiden season.

"Dean is a fantastic player and a great acquisition for this football club," said Pulis.

"He is someone I and my backroom staff have admired for a long time and to have managed to have brought him here signals our intent for the upcoming season.

"Dean is a box-to-box midfielder who has a great engine and he is a player I am looking forward to working with."

Chief executive Tony Scholes added: "We are delighted to have completed our first major signing of the summer transfer window.

"Dean is a player who possesses plenty of top-flight experience and has proven leadership qualities having captained Sunderland for the past few years."