American winger Brek Shea completes move to Stoke

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

STOKE, England (AP) English Premier League club Stoke City has finalized its acquisition of Brek Shea after the American winger secured a work permit and international clearance just hours before the January transfer window closed.

The 22-year-old Shea signed a four-and-half-year contract for his move from FC Dallas of Major League Soccer. Stoke said it paid a 2.5 million pound ($4 million) transfer fee.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis on Thursday called it "fantastic news" and said Shea is "a very, very exciting player."

Shea, who has played for FC Dallas since 2008, is recovering from surgery in November on his right foot. He has yet to score in 15 appearances with the U.S. national team. He joins American defender Geoff Cameron at Stoke.

Updated February 1, 2013