St Ledger signs three-year deal

Leicester City have made their fourth acquisition of the summer and have signed defender Sean St Ledger from Preston North End for an undisclosed fee.

New team-mates: St Ledger in action against the Foxes' Richie Wellens last term

Capped nineteen times by the Republic of Ireland, the Birmingham-born defender made 200 appearances over four years for the Lilywhites, having joined them in 2006 after graduating through the youth ranks to the senior team at Peterborough United. Impressing at Championship level and internationally, he was ruled-out through injury for the latter half of last season, in which Preston were relegated to League One.

Sven Goran Eriksson is delighted with his new signing, stating that it was St Ledger's hunger for football that attracted him to the player.

"I am very pleased that Sean will be joining us," said the Foxes' manager, "He expressed a real desire to play for Leicester City and I believe that he will have a positive impact here at the Club. Sean is a very good defender and has proven this in league football, but also on the international stage for the Republic of Ireland."

The 26-year-old has penned a deal that will see him at the Walkers Stadium until at least 2014 and will form part of a renewed defence alongside Lee Peltier. Sources close to the club have indicated he could be joined by Reading's Matt Mills by the end of the week, whilst Tsebo Masilela will be registered as a Leicester City player once his work permit is approved.