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Jonathan Walters signs new Stoke contract until 2018

Stoke forward Jonathan Walters has signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract, the club have announced.

The Potters revealed on their official Twitter feed on Saturday afternoon that Walters, whose previous deal was expiring at the end of the season, had put pen to paper on a new one taking him through to the summer of 2018.

The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international has made over 200 appearances in all competitions for Stoke since joining them in 2010, scoring 54 goals.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes told the club's official website: "Jon has been with us for more than five years and is very much part of the DNA of the club.

"We're delighted to have reached an agreement with him that will see him stay with the club for at least another two-and-a-half years."

The news appears a victory for Walters, who had been pushing in talks for a contract to 2018 when the club had only been offering him one to 2017.

As recently as last week boss Mark Hughes admitted Stoke were in danger of losing the player but retained hope an agreement could be reached.

It had also looked as if Walters might leave earlier this season as he handed in a transfer request amid bids from Norwich being rejected towards the end of the summer window.

Despite the uncertainty over his future, he has been in fine form this term, with his spectacular strike in the recent Capital One Cup fourth-round clash with Chelsea his fourth club goal of the campaign to add to two netted on international duty.