Stoke City defender Philipp Wollscheid has joined Ligue 1 side Metz on a three-year deal, the French club have announced.

Wollscheid, who joined the Potters from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 after an initial four-month loan, had only 11 months left on his current Stoke deal.

"A reinforcement of substance for Les Grenats who will bring his experience of the highest level, he is known for positioning and his strength," the French club said.

"The neo-Messin also has the advantage of perfectly mastering the language of Moliere which should aid his integration."