Preston wanted Lewis to sign a new deal at Deepdale

Lewis, 31, passed a medical on Wednesday and has signed a two-year contract with a further one-year option triggered by appearances.

"I'm really excited to be involved with a club that in my opinion are on the up," said Lewis.

"Playing wide on the left I'll try and give the team a good balance."

Lewis admitted it was Leeds' ambition that convinced him to sign for the Elland Road club.

He told Leeds website: "I see the ambition here and I'm excited to be at a club that's on the same page as I am.

"The size of the club and the fact that financially things appear to be sorted out, now makes it a fantastic club going forward.

"I already knew the stadium had an unbelievable atmosphere and the training ground is second to none.

"Between the manager and the players that are already here, it looks well-placed to do good things.

"There is a part of me that is sad to leave Preston because I enjoyed my time there.

"But I'm not 100% convinced they're trying to go in the same direction that Leeds are."

The left winger joined Preston from Fulham for �500,000 in 2002.

Lewis played his last game for North End in the play-off final defeat to West Ham in May.

Preston boss Billy Davies was hopeful Lewis would sign a new contract with the Deepdale club.

Lewis becomes Kevin Blackwell's fourth signing of the summer and follows striker David Healy in making the switch from Deepdale to Elland Road.