Burnley have signed Leon Cort on a three-and-a-half year contract from Stoke City for a fee of £1.5million. The 30-year-old will now lend his experience to Burnley's battle to stay in the top flight and is determined to prove he can perform consistently at the highest level.

"When I found out Burnley were interested I tried to get the move done as quickly as possible so I'm delighted," Cort told the club's official website.

"I have played against Burnley before and I know their ambitions. It's a good place to come and I'm looking forward to it.

"Hopefully I can bring some of that experience of what Stoke did last year over with me and help Burnley with it.

"I have had limited chances at Stoke, not because I felt I wasn't good enough, but this is a chance to get back up there and show what I can do."

Clarets boss Brian Laws said: "He will be a real benefit to us with his leadership and strength.

"His ability is there for all to see. He is good in the air in both boxes and he is one of those old fashioned centre-halves who defends and defends well.

"I think you need that kind of assurance, but not only that, he has Premier League experience of playing with Stoke City so he knows what's at stake and what is needed.

"He has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and we will see his best years, for sure. He is coming into his natural peak in terms of experience and I am sure that will be evident for all to see."