Stoke City delight as they beat competition to signature of Charlton winger Alfie Doughty

Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill has claimed they beat off a “great deal” of competition to land Charlton winger Alfie Doughty.

QPR and AFC Bournemouth also had bids accepted in this window for the 21-year-old, who was due to be out of contract at the end of June.

Celtic and Luton made moves for Doughty in the previous window. Stoke also pushed for the Addicks academy product in that period too, but the South London club refused to sell.

Doughty then tore his hamstring at the end of October.

Stoke have not revealed the details of Doughty’s deal in terms of contract length.

O’Neill told their website: “We are delighted to get Alife in. He fits the profile of type of player we want to bring to the club – he is young, keen and wants to prove himself.

“Unfortunately, he’s injured at present but we have taken the opportunity to sign him now because he was much in demand and we have beaten off a great deal of competition.”