Preston sign Stoke midfielder Thompson

Jordan Thompson spent five years at Stoke City after signing from Blackpool

Preston North End have signed Stoke City midfielder Jordan Thompson on a two-year deal, with the option of a third year.

The Northern Ireland international is the Championship club's first signing of the summer transfer window.

Thompson - who has 39 international caps - made 178 appearances in all competitions during a five-year period at Stoke.

Prior to that, he played for Blackpool and Rangers, after being released from Manchester United's academy.

The 28-year-old told the club website: "I'm delighted. It's been quite a quick turnaround and I'm just glad it's all done now.

"It's a massive club and it's one that I want to be part of.

"I'm looking forward to getting in pre-season, meeting the rest of the boys and the staff properly and getting going."

Thompson's Stoke contract expires at the end of June and he will join Preston on a free transfer.

Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom added: "He's a player we knew all about from playing in the Championship and we've been watching him closely with a view to bringing him in.

"Jordan's a top professional and a talented footballer who likes to get on the ball and he adds a bit of balance to the midfield too, being left-footed."