Tuesday 29 January 2019 09:45, UK
Danny Batth has joined Stoke on a three-and-a-half year deal from Wolves.
The defender, who was on loan at Middlesbrough for the first half of the season, becomes Stoke's new manager Nathan Jones' first signing at the Bet 365 Stadium.
Batth, a former Wolves captain, is understood to have signed for the Potters on an initial fee of £3m according to Sky sources, but it could rise to £4m depending on future appearances.
"I've joined a fantastic club and I'm looking forward to getting started," Batth told the club's website. "The transfer happened really quickly and now I'm just looking forward to finding my feet and training with the boys.
"I've spoken briefly to the manager but most of the talking between a manager and a player is done on the pitch. I'm looking forward; that will be the focus for me. Obviously the manager will give me some guidance on what he expects but I really am truly excited to be here."
The 28-year-old played 21 times for Wolves last season as they won the Sky Bet Championship title, but was not included in any of Nuno Espirito Santo's matchday squads at the start of the Premier League season.
Since making the loan move to the Riverside, he has made 13 appearances under Tony Pulis but will now aim to help Stoke into playoff contention and an immediate return to the Premier League.
Batth follows his former Molineux teammate Benik Afobe and Ryan Woods in completing moves to Stoke this month after their initial loan deals were made permanent.
"I managed to get a few minutes with Benik on the phone," he added. "I've played with him twice in different spells at Wolves - I know him really well and we've kept in touch. He spoke volumes about the club and what the new manager is trying to do.
"As a club, with a fantastic fan base, everything is set for us to do well."
Batth's departure sees him end an 18-year association with Wolves - where he began his career.
