Transfer news from Stoke City as Alex Neil brings in his 13th signing of the summer

Stoke City have completed the signing of Sampdoria wide player Mehdi Leris for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old follows Nikola Jojic into the bet365 Stadium as the second signing of the day and becomes the 13th signing of a remarkable summer window. Leris has put pen to paper on a three-year contract and the deal is subject to international clearance

An Algeria international, he has largely featured high on the right in the last couple of seasons – helping Brescia challenge for promotion from Serie B on loan before becoming a regular starter back at Sampdoria in Serie A – but he has played in almost every outfield position during his senior career.

Leris, who will wear the number 27 shirt, arrives in the Potteries with a reputation for his athleticism and work rate and will travel with the squad for a Championship clash at Millwall on Saturday.

“Throughout the window we have targeted variety in our forward players to give Alex (Neil) and his staff the opportunity to play in different ways for the diverse challenges the Championship presents,” said Stoke technical director Ricky Martin.

“Mehdi will complement our attacking options and he carries a strong pedigree, having played regularly in Serie A and represented Algeria at international level.

“He has predominantly played as a right forward but also displayed versatility when switching to play as a right wing-back for Algeria.

“Mehdi shows a determined work ethic and tenacity in his game and both the technical qualities and tactical understanding aligned to our profile for his positions.

“We are delighted to attract him to Stoke City during a summer in which there was significant interest in him from across Europe.”