Leeds United sign Stoke City utility player Danny Pugh

Pugh had a loan spell at Preston in the Championship last season

Leeds United have re-signed their former utility player Danny Pugh on loan from Stoke City and say they will make it a permanent deal in January.

The 28-year-old returns to the club where he made 57 appearances in two seasons between 2004 and 2006.

United manager Simon Grayson told the club website: "He's a versatile and experienced player, who has played in the Premier League and Europa League.

"He also knows the Championship well and he knows the club very well."

He continued: "Two or three other clubs were in for him, but he jumped at the chance to come here.

"This was a deal we almost did on deadline day with some of the money that is available, but Tony [Pulis, Potters boss] wanted to keep him at Stoke a while longer, so we've brought him in on loan in the first instance and will make it permanent in January."

Pugh began his career at Manchester United but made just seven appearances there Alan Smith move in the opposite direction.

He scored six goals in his time at Elland Road but moved to Preston in the summer of 2006 after finding appearances limited in his second season.

He joined Stoke two years later, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

Pugh will offer Grayson versatility, having played at left-back as well as both on the left and centre of midfield.