Bayer Leverkusen defender Philipp Wollscheid is likely to sign with Barcalys Premier League side Stoke City, which their manager Mark Hughes confirmed after his side's FA Cup win.
The loan deal looks to be imminent, after his time in Mainz yielded just five appearances, as he looks for a fresh start. The 25-year-old, who has played for the German national team, has struggled to get game time recently and will be keen to impress in the Premier League.
Wollscheid will compete with Ryan Shawcross, Marc Muniesa and fellow countryman Robert Huth for a place at centre-back. His considerable size should help him get accustomed to the physical-nature of the new league.
"It is a deal that is likely to happen and we are likely to see him [Wollscheid] here early next week I would suggest," said Hughes after Stoke's 3-1 win over Wrexham in the FA Cup third round.
"He has superb quality and in my opinion he is a very good footballer, so we are very pleased to have agreed the terms of the deal.
"He has moved for decent money in the past and he has played for the reigning world champions, so he has real good pedigree."
Stoke are currently eleventh in the Premier League table and, if Mark Hughes is right about a deal being struck early in the week, he could make his debut against Arsenal on Sunday.
Quotes via GOAL.com