Stoke have completed the signing of Aston Villa's Norwegian striker John Carew on loan until the end of the season.
• Sunderland close in on Fuller
• Weekend team news
Carew, 31, has struggled to assert himself on the first-team under Gerard Houllier, with whom he has enjoyed a frosty relationship.
And the £18 million arrival of Darren Bent at Villa Park on Tuesday finally facilitated Carew's departure, initially on a short-term deal.
Carew completed his medical on Thursday and finalised the paperwork on Friday in time to be included in the squad for Saturday's Premier League trip to Fulham.
The former Valencia frontman is out of contract at the end of the season and though the Potters have swooped to take him on loan, a permanent deal is thought to be on the cards should he impress. Stoke boss Tony Pulis revealed his delight at capturing the the 6ft 5in striker.
"This is a fantastic signing," Pulis told the club's official website. "John's record speaks for itself because he has scored goals at the highest level throughout his career.
"As well as all the experience he has gained at international level, he has top played for some top, top clubs across Europe and performed in the Champion League for many seasons, including an appearance in the final for Valencia.
"On top of that, he was Aston Villa's leading scorer last season with 17 goals, so we have acquired a striker with outstanding pedigree."
"The arrival of Carew could well pave the way for Ricardo Fuller to leave the Britannia Stadium, with Sunderland boss Steve Bruce confirming his interest in the striker.
Carew says he may welcome a permanent move to Stoke if the chance arises following the end of his loan spell.
"If I'm happy and the club is happy, if I enjoy it and it goes well enough, then we can decide that in the summer,'' Carew said. "The important thing now is to make the most of this opportunity. I'm looking forward to the challenge and I am happy to be here.
"Although I had other offers, I saw Stoke as the best team and the strongest team, so this is a great chance for me to join a side fighting in the top half of the table.
"Tony Pulis has shown great confidence in getting me here so I want to repay that faith. He's a great manager who created a big impression with me, so I am delighted I have been given this opportunity to work with him.''
