Stoke City have confirmed the appointment of Jared Dublin as Head of Recruitment after just four months with Reading.

The American was Head of Scouting in Berkshire since February, but has opted to move to the Bet365 Stadium for the chance to head up recruitment in the Championship.

Formerly of Google, it is thought that Potters boss Alex Neil was keen on the former Sheffield United transfer guru.

A loss to the Royals, Dublin impressed during a recent Q&A session with supporters at Blue Collar Corner.

Part of a backroom evolution, Dublin joined Head of Recruitment, Brian Carey, and Director of Football Operations Mark Bowen.

Speaking to Stoke City, Dublin said: “I want to work within an environment with the scope and ambition to recruit in a way that really builds for the future.

“Stoke provides a brilliant opportunity in that regard, in the early stages of an exciting new project under Ricky [Martin] and Alex Neil, where the chance to make a significant contribution is tangible and immediate.

“Throughout the past few weeks, I have been in regular dialogue with Ricky and the recruitment team to be abreast of the plans in place to recruit already-identified targets. We will not be rigid in our approach during a transfer window, though, and our collective experience will give us an awareness of potential opportunities that become available, when they may not have been at a previous juncture.

“As has been the case with my past work, supporters can be assured that I will be tapping into knowledge of emerging talent, not only in England, but also in Europe and further afield.

"The club is renowned for having a loyal, vocal and supportive fanbase – one that deserves success – and that is what we will all be striving to achieve.”