Stoke City have completed the signing of Dutch international left-back Erik Pieters from PSV Eindhoven.

The 24-year-old defender signed a four-year contract with the Potters after both clubs agreed on a fee of €3.6 million (£3 million, $4.5 million).

"I've always wanted to play in the Premier League," Pieters told the club's official website. "It's one of the hardest competitions to play in with some great players and teams and I'm really excited about it.

"I'm really looking forward to playing for this club. It's important for me that the first impression is good and I've got a great feeling about Stoke City.

"I've always had good feelings about all the clubs I've played for when I've first joined them and this one is no different."

Stoke manager Mark Hughes believes Pieters' versatility will come in handy. "I am delighted to have secured Erik's signature," he said. "The main focus this summer in attempting to strengthen the squad is ensuring it is balanced in key positions.

"While Erik is predominantly a left-back, he has also played for his country as a central defender, so he gives us other options.

"We need good quality in our starting eleven and good quality back-up for all areas, which Erik will certainly give us defensively."

Pieters is very highly-rated in Holland, and was linked with moves to Arsenal and Newcastle in the past. The defender said he is glad to have his future sorted out so soon prior to the new season and is really looking forward to making an impression in the Premier League.

"I'm glad everything has been sorted out," he added. "There has been a lot of talk about me but now everything is finalised I can look forward to the future with Stoke City.

"It will be difficult to leave Holland because everyone, family and friends, are there but it won't be a problem as they are only an hour's flight away.

"I can't wait for the start of preseason -- it's a chance to meet new people and my new teammates and it can't happen too soon."

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes revealed it was technical director Mark Cartwright's choice to bring in Pieters to the club.

"Erik has a considerable amount of experience of playing at the highest level, both on the international stage with Holland and in the Champions League with PSV Eindhoven," Scholes said.

"He is a player who was identified by our technical director Mark Cartwright as one who could strengthen our defensive options and we have been tracking his progress, so we are delighted to have brought him here now."