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Stoke City to sign Greece defender Kostas Stafylidis from Augsburg

Stoke say they expect to complete the loan signing of Greece defender Kostas Stafylidis within the next 24 hours.

The 24-year-old former Fulham left-back is poised to join the Potters from German outfit FC Augsburg, with the formalities to be completed on Thursday.

Stafylidis will become new manager Paul Lambert's first signing when he puts pen to paper on a loan switch for the remainder of the season.

Meanwhile, Stoke have confirmed the departure of first-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper was placed in caretaker charge after Mark Hughes was sacked last week and oversaw Monday night's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

Stoke said in a statement: "The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Eddie for the professionalism he has shown during his time in North Staffordshire, particularly last week when he took charge of first team affairs while the managerial appointment process was ongoing.''