Stoke City chief Tony Scholes says they intend to send their fringe players out on-loan.

The Potters need to shift out squad players after a busy summer market.

"The fact we have made seven signings speaks for itself," Scholes told the Stoke Sentinel. "The backing that the Coates family has again given the club is incredible.

"Now we have to balance things and move some players out as well.

"It's fair to say we have ended up with more in the squad than is appropriate."