LONDON - STOKE City signed former England striker James Beattie from Sheffield United on Monday for a fee that could rise to 3.5 million pounds (S$7.7 million).

The 30-year-old former Blackburn Rovers, Southampton and Everton player, who has scored 12 goals this season for Championship (second division) side United, agreed a two and a half year deal with Premier League strugglers Stoke.

'James is a player who has an absolutely phenomenal goal-scoring record and I am delighted to have him here,' manager Tony Pulis told the club's website (www.stokecityfc.co.uk).

Beattie, who made his England debut in a friendly against Australia in 2003, won five caps but fell out of international favour during a disappointing spell at Everton. -- REUTERS