JON Walters has signed for Premier League Stoke City today.

The 26-year-old Walters had set his heart on a move to the top flight and at a club nearer the Wirral where he was brought up.

QPR and Middlesbrough were also interested, but Stoke was always Walters’ first choice.

He was stripped of the Blues captaincy on Friday after telling Town boss Roy Keane that he wanted to leave Portman Road.

Today, Walters said: “It’s always good to know that a manager has faith in your ability and that was certainly an influence on my decision to come here.

“I am excited about moving here and it is the fulfilment of a long-term goal of mine to get back into the Premier League.

“I had a sniff of it at Bolton, but I knew that in dropping down the leagues it would take a lot of hard work to get back there one day.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Ipswich, especially being the captain of the club, but this was the opportunity I had been working towards and I’m glad it’s come at a club like Stoke.”

Town chief executive Simon Clegg said: “I would like to thank Jon for the hard work, commitment and professionalism he has shown on the pitch during his career at Portman Road.

“Recognising that every player’s dream is to play in the Premier League we are delighted that Jon has achieved this goal and we wish him every success at his new club.

“I’m sure our supporters will see that this is very good business for the club, one of the most significant transfer deals in the club’s history, and will join us in sending their best wishes to Jon for his future career.”