Leeds United sign Danny Pugh from Stoke City permanently

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

Leeds have signed the on-loan Danny Pugh on a permanent two-and-a-half year deal from Stoke.

The 29-year-old, who signs for an undisclosed fee, was at Leeds from 2004 until 2006 and has made 17 appearances this season while on loan.

Manager Simon Grayson told the club website: "Danny is a versatile player and is a good addition to the squad.

"He can play in a few positions, he has shown people what he is about and it's good to have him on a permanent basis."

Pugh joined Leeds on loan in September with a view to a permanent deal.

He began his career at Manchester United but made just seven appearances there before moving to Leeds as part of the deal that saw 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.