Stoke City have confirmed the signing of former Reading midfielder Josh Laurent.

The Royals had offered the 27-year-old a contract extension as his deal officially runs up on July 1, however the former Shrewsbury Town star opted against remaining in Berkshire and joins Michael O'Neil's Potters on a three year deal.

Arriving at RG2 only two seasons ago on a free transfer, he made a big impact as he played 88 times and won Player of the Season in his debut campaign.

Popping up with vital goals against Barnsley and Blackburn Rovers, he was crucial in the club's Championship survival last season.

Speaking to the Stoke City website, he said: "I’m really happy to get it done. There has been interest from Stoke for a while and as soon as soon as it became clear I was going to become a free agent they called me and let me know just how interested they were. They showed me how much they wanted me."

Manager O'Neil, added: "Josh has made a tremendous impact in the Championship over the past couple of years. He fits the profile of player we are looking for and we are really pleased to have secured him.”