Watford snap up Stoke City's Carl Dickinson

Dickinson has played for Stoke during their pre-season campaign

Watford have signed Stoke left-back Carl Dickinson for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal, started his career with Stoke, making 60 appearances.

But since their promotion to the Premier League, he has had loan spells with Leeds, Barnsley and Portsmouth, where he played 39 times last season.

Potters boss Tony Pulis told his club's website: "Carl played an important part in helping the club to get where it is today. He was a hugely popular figure."

He added: "We are all delighted for him that he has been offered this new challenge with a club who have been there or thereabouts in the Championship promotion race in recent seasons."