NEW Stoke midfielder Marc Wilson says Tony Pulis's persuasive skills were the deciding factor in his decision to join from Portsmouth, writes Jon Owen.

The 23-year-old signed a four-year contract on Tuesday in a deal valued at just over £4.5m, with midfielder Liam Lawrence and striker Dave Kitson heading in the opposite direction to Fratton Park.

Reports last week suggested Stoke were set to be beaten to Wilson's signature as Premier League rivals West Brom and West Ham declared their interest in the midfielder.

But Wilson says Stoke were the only club he held talks with, and Pulis's eagerness to sign him made the decision to move to the Britannia Stadium an easy one.

"I was impressed with what Tony had to say from the start," said Wilson.

"He was very positive and it didn't take me long to make my mind up.

"I'd heard West Ham were interested, but I didn't speak to anyone there.

"This is a great club and I couldn't wait to come back to the Premier League. It is every player's ambition to be in the top flight.

"Leaving Portsmouth was difficult because I've been there for so long, but I wish them well and my aim now is to do my best for Stoke."

Wilson, who was called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for March's friendly with Brazil, is already familiar with some of the faces at the Potters, including Stoke's first-team coach Mark O'Connor and his fellow countryman Glenn Whelan.

O'Connor helped nurture Wilson in Portsmouth's youth team as a youngster.

"It helps joining a club where you know a few of the lads," added Wilson.

"Mark used to be my manager when I was a youth-team player at Portsmouth and I am very happy to be linking back up with him.

"And Glenn has been part of the international team for a while now. I spoke to him before I signed and he said it was a great club to be at."

Wilson put pen to paper on the same day former Barcelona and Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen, and ex-Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant signed in a busy day of deadline day transfer activity at the club.

"Obviously Eidur and Jermaine are top players and it was a good feeling to be joining the club on the same day," said Wilson.

"But there are a number of very good players here already.

"There has already been a bit of banter thrown around and it seems to be a lively dressing room."

Wilson was part of the Portsmouth team which lost 1-0 at Stoke last November, when Ricardo Fuller's 74th-minute strike sealed the points.

And Wilson is hoping to make an early impression on the Stoke supporters... starting with the home encounter against Aston Villa on Monday week.

"The Stoke fans made a lot of noise when I was here with Portsmouth and got behind the team from the start.

"Hopefully I can make my debut against Aston Villa and build a good rapport with them straight away.

"But if I'm not selected, I'll bide my time until I get my chance."

The Irishman, who made 34 appearances for Pompey since signing from Manchester United's Academy in 2004, can play either in midfield or defence, but admits a role in the middle of the park is his preferred option.

"I'm always happy to be in the starting line-up," said Wilson. "But, given the choice, midfield is my best position."