Duberry has played an important role for Stoke

The Stoke skipper, 31, has signed a one-and-a-half year deal after invoking a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to top flight clubs.

Duberry, who joined Stoke in March 2005, has helped make them the tightest defence in the Championship.

The powerful central defender started his career with Chelsea before spending five years with Leeds.

Duberry gained a European Cup Winners' Cup medal with Chelsea.

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Royals director of football Nick Hammond said: "Michael is a very experienced centre-half who has played at the highest level, including nearly 150 Premiership appearances and a European final.

"This season he has captained a Stoke team which has the best defensive record in the Championship, and we think this is a very sensible signing which gives us additional quality as we enter the final stages of the season."

Chairman John Madejski added: "I'd like to welcome Michael to Reading. He is a high calibre performer who has been in excellent form this season and will add experience to our squad.

"This completes a busy period of activity for us in the transfer window and we are very satisfied with the deals we have secured."