Stoke City confirm permanent Philipp Wollscheid capture

Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen defender Philipp Wollscheid on a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old initially joined the Potters on loan in January, where he has gone on to make 14 appearances as the club cemented their top-half finish in the Premier League.

Stoke had the option to capture Wollscheid for an agreed undisclosed fee, and they have now exercised that right by landing the centre-back on a three-year contract.

City chief executive Tony Scholes told the club's official website: "We're delighted to have secured Philipp's services on a permanent basis. He joined us midway through the season but wasted little time in making a big impression.

"Within days of arriving in England he made his debut against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and went on to become an important member of Mark's squad.

"He's clearly enjoying life in England; he feels very settled here and had no hesitation in committing his long-term future to Stoke City."

The deal is rumoured to be worth around £2.75m.