Stoke City have signed Bayer Leverkusen defender Philipp Wollscheid on loan until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old Germany international has joined the Potters with a view to a permanent move.

Wollscheid, who has made over 50 league appearances for Leverkusen, has spent the first half of the season on loan at Mainz.

"Philipp is a player we've been aware of and have been tracking for some time and he will add to the competition for places in the centre of our defence," manager Mark Hughes told the club's official website.

"He's genuinely excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League and is confident of making a big impression as a Stoke player."

Stoke are back in action on Saturday when they make the trip to Arsenal in the Premier League.