Stoke sign Southampton goalkeeper Bazunu on loan

Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has joined Stoke City on loan for the rest of the season.

The Potters made a move for the 23-year-old after first-choice goalkeeper Viktor Johansson had surgery last week on a long-term shoulder injury.

He has made 96 appearances for the Saints following a £12m move from Manchester City in 2022 and helped the club win promotion to the Premier League two seasons ago.

But Bazunu, who has 22 caps for the Republic of Ireland, then lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale and was loaned out to Belgian side Standard Liege for the second half of last season.

He has played 19 times in the Championship this term, but last week the south coast club brought in Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on loan from Bayern Munich.

"Losing Viktor for a period of time meant that we had to act decisively, and when the opportunity to bring Gavin in came along, we acted quickly," said Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters.

"Gavin is a goalkeeper who has played in the Premier League, has international experience and knows this division well, having been promoted out of it before.

"Bringing that experience into the group is valuable between now and the end of the season."

BBC Radio Solent report that there is an option for Stoke to make the deal permanent in the summer.

The Potters are eighth in the Championship ahead of Saturday's home game against QPR, just one point outside the play-off places.

"With the squad fighting for something big, it's an exciting time for me to join," Bazunu said.

"We're in a great position and, if we can put a run of results together, I believe we can make ourselves challengers come the end of the season."