Cort has also had spells at Hull and Southend

Burnley have completed the signing of Stoke defender Leon Cort.

The 30-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at Turf Moor after the clubs agreed a fee of £1.5m, which could rise to £2m.

Cort joined Stoke in 2008 for what was a club record fee of £1.2m and played a key role in the club's promotion to the Premier League.

But the form of Ryan Shawcross and Abdoulaye Faye has restricted Cort's first-team opportunities.

The summer signing of Robert Huth has also curtailed his game time, with Cort making only four appearances this season.

"Leon was an influential figure in the club's promotion triumph and a dependable performer whenever called upon in our first season in the Premier League," said Stoke boss Tony Pulis.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Cort's signing

"We would like to thank him for his contribution to that success and wish him all the best in the future with his new club."

Cort's signing is the second for new Burnley boss Brian Laws after the capture of Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver.

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