Young defender Ritchie De Laet has joined Manchester United from Premier League rivals Stoke.

The Britannia Stadium club announced that the 20-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Old Trafford giants.

United have brokered a performance-related fee for De Laet, who spent the early part of the season on loan at Wrexham and is regarded as one for the future by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He moved to Stoke from Royal Antwerp in August 2007 but failed to make a first-team appearance for Tony Pulis’ side.

De Laet’s arrival at United follows the signings of Serbian duo Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic during the winter transfer window.

Source – SkySports.com