Germany international Philipp Wollscheid has joined Stoke City from Bayer Leverkusen on loan until the end of the season, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old centre-back, capped twice by Germany, has signed with a view to a permanent transfer. He spent the first few months of the season on loan at Mainz.

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

"He's got presence, technically he is good, has played at a high level, has gone for big money in the past, and to get a German international at a relatively young age is a good deal for the club."