The Premier League has ratified the transfer of striker Michael Owen to Stoke City as a free agent.
The Potters signed the 32-year-old on a one-year contract on Tuesday but there were doubts that they were unable to submit the document before the 4pm deadline.
It has now been confirmed that Stoke could indeed do so and can now name Owen in their 25-man squad for the Premier League.
"The Premier League Board has confirmed to Stoke City the registration of Michael Owen," reads a Premier League statement.
"Consequently he can be included in their 25-man playing squad."
Owen himself posted the news on his official Twitter page on Wednesday, saying: "It's official! Deal done. I'm a Stoke player. Can't wait to get going."
Owen is Stoke's seventh signing of the summer following the arrivals of Jamie Ness, Geoff Cameron, Michael Kightly, Maurice Edu, Charlie Adam and Steven N'Zonzi.
Subhankar Mondal
