Germany and Bayer Leverkusen defender Philipp Wollscheid is set to sign for Stoke City, according to Sky sources.

The 25-year-old centre-half has played twice for Germany and was linked with several English clubs last summer, but remained in the Bundesliga on loan at Mainz and played five times.

It would be the first signing in the January transfer window for Stoke boss Mark Hughes.

Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett told Sky Sports News HQ: "I understand he's had significant discussions with Stoke City and they hope to complete the deal in the next 24 hours.

"He's 6ft 5in so is a big presence. It would initially be a loan deal with a view to a permanent deal. He's had two caps for the German national team so Germany think highly of him."

Stoke have had a reasonable first half of the Premier League season and are currently sitting in 11th spot.