Alfie Doughty has revealed why he snubbed pre-contract offers at Celtic and Rangers.

The winger joined Stoke City this afternoon in a deal worth around £650,000 and was pleased so sign on the dotted line to move to the Potters this month.

Both sides of the Old Firm wanted the former Charlton ace and he had deals on the table to move to Glasgow in the summer for free. But now the player has told the Stoke club website exactly why he opted to move to the English Championship.

He said: "When I think Stoke I think Premier League and that was really the first thing that kind of entered my head as soon as I thought that I thought 'you know what, I'll do my bit in the team and hopefully I'll be in the squad to take them back to the Premier League."

We told exclusively how Doughty made up his mind earlier this month to join Michael O'Neill's side. The manager added: "We are delighted to get Alife in. He fits the profile of type of player we want to bring to the Club – he is young, keen and wants to prove himself.

“Unfortunately, he’s injured at present but we have taken the opportunity to sign him now because he was much in demand and we have beaten off a great deal of competition."