Ryan Woods: Stoke City sign Brentford midfielder on loan before permanent move

Ryan Woods started his career with Shrewsbury

Stoke City have signed Brentford midfielder Ryan Woods on loan until January, when he is set to sign a permanent deal with Gary Rowett's side.

Playmaker Woods, 24, scored three goals in 128 games for the Bees since his move from Shrewsbury in September 2015.

Swansea failed to match the Bees' valuation for Woods, thought to be £6-7m, before the transfer window shut.

"Ryan is a player that we've admired for a long time," Stoke boss Rowett told the club website.

"He's the type of player the squad has been crying out for, a defensive midfielder that can get us playing with a range of passing and the ability to bring other players into the game."

Woods has only played one game so far this season - the EFL Cup win against Southend - despite Bees boss Dean Smith stating that the midfielder was "available for selection".

Stoke have made a poor start to the new season and are still seeking their first league win after four games, following relegation to the Championship.

Woods will not be eligible to play for the Potters until next Saturday's game against West Bromwich Albion.

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