Stoke City have announced the signing of veteran defender Ashley Williams on a season-long loan from Everton.

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Experienced defender Williams is the latest addition to Stoke's squad ahead of the Championship campaign, becoming the sixth summer signing after the Potters snapped up Oghenekaro Etebo, James McClean, Tom Ince, Benik Afobe and Adam Federici.

The 79-cap Wales international has been playing in the Premier League since 2011, making a total of 241 appearances for Swansea City and then Everton.

After starting his career with non-league Hednesford Town before a stint with then-Football League side Stockport County, Williams has amassed a total of more than 650 senior appearances during his career.

But after managing just 24 Premier League appearances for the Toffees last season, he is being allowed to leave on loan.

Williams has been allowed to leave on loan with Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka and Mason Holgate as Everton's current centre-back options.

The Verdict

Williams is likely to be a decent signing for Championship level as he adds so much experience and know-how to this Stoke side.

Either as back-up or alongside Ryan Shawcross or Bruno Martins Indi, Stoke are going to be very hard to beat.

With his career stalling at Everton, this is a wise move for the player as well.

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