Michael Owen a Potter after Premier League Approves Transfer

Former England striker Michael Owen has finally completed his move to Stoke City, following the Premier League committee's approval.

"Stoke City can confirm the signing of Michael Owen has now been completed after the Premier League Board ratified his inclusion in the Potters' 25-man squad for 2012/13 season," a statement on Stoke City's official Web site reads.

"The Premier League board has confirmed to Stoke City the registration of Michael Owen. Consequently, he can be included in their 25-man playing squad," reads a statement on the Premier League's official Web site.

The Potters, who confirmed the signing a couple of days before the committee's approval, needed the league's administrators to rubber-stamp the deal because it was completed after the close of the summer transfer window. In addition, the former Real Madrid man's move to the Britannia Stadium was in doubt because the Potters had already named 25 senior players in their squad and Premier League rules state there are only two specific windows to change submitted squad lists.

Owen joins fellow new signings Maurice Edu, Charlie Adam, Steven Nzonzi, Michael Kightly and Geoff Cameron at the Britannia. The 32 year old 2001 Ballon d'Or winner, who was released by Manchester United on a free transfer earlier in the summer, has signed a pay-as-you-play deal with Stoke.

"It's official! Deal done. I'm a Stoke player. Can't wait to get going," he posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the Potters' boss, Tony Pulis, feels Owen will have a big impact on the club's season. the former Liverpool striker saw limited game time during his spell at Old Trafford but Pulis is confident his new striker will score regularly once exposed to first team football.

"Michael's got the bit between his teeth and wants to play. He's more than just an impact sub. We want Michael to get himself fit, in the team and playing regularly again," The Sun quoted Pulis as saying.

"We believe, once he's match-fit, that he'll prove he can still score goals in the Premier League. People say he played only one Premier League game last season but he was available for a lot more United games but wasn't selected," he added.