Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart has expressed his delight at having agreed a deal to sign former England batsman Kevin Pietersen.

Pietersen joined Surrey on a Twenty20 contract earlier today and will also be available to play for the team in the County Championship.

The 33-year-old recently had his international career ended by the ECB after they raised concerns over a lack of trust between him and captain Alastair Cook, but Stewart is unconcerned by the off-field troubles surrounding the batsman.

"We are delighted to have agreed terms with Kevin, and to have a player of his ability at the Kia Oval," Stewart told Surrey's official website.

"Unsurprisingly there was a great deal of interest in Kevin from around the world, but he has made it very clear that he wants to play at Surrey and it is not only good news for the club but for the domestic game in this country.

"We are now looking forward to watching him in the middle, scoring a bucketload of runs for Surrey."

Pietersen is also expected to be in high demand during Thursday's Indian Premier League auction.