Former Manchester United and England striker Michael Owen has signed for Stoke City.

The 32-year-old left Old Trafford in May and is a free agent.

The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle striker has 89 caps and 40 goals for his country, though he has not played internationally since 2008.

He spent three seasons at Manchester United but played in only 52 games, netting 17 times. He made just four appearances for the club last season.

Owen said that he was “delighted” to have signed for Stoke, subject to Premier League approval.

“We have been in talks for a while and it was a club I was always keen to join,” he added. “I’m particularly excited at the prospect of working under [Stoke manager] Tony Pulis. He has assembled a great squad that I look forward to joining.

“I’m now looking forward to contributing as much as possible to the club and can’t wait to play in front of a great set of supporters.”

Liverpool had earlier dismissed suggestions they were keen to bring the former England striker back to Anfield. Everton and Sunderland also distanced themselves from reports they had attempted to sign Owen during the summer.

Owen’s career has been blighted by injury problems and he has not played a competitive game since November last year because of a thigh problem, which contributed to him starting just one Premier League game in the last two seasons.

However, he has been staying fit for the current season using a personal programme designed by the Manchester United coaches.

He recently admitted to frustration at the limited opportunities given to him during his time working under Sir Alex Ferguson, but denied suggestions that his time playing in the top flight may have passed or that he was considering retiring from the game.

Owen becomes Stoke’s seventh signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Jamie Ness, Geoff Cameron, Michael Kightly, Maurice Edu, Charlie Adam and Steven N’Zonzi.

Owen’s last goal came in Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Aldershot in the last 16 of the Carling Cup on 25 October last year.

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