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Stoke City have signed Liverpool teenager Lewis Koumas on a season-long loan.

The 18-year-old forward, who is the son of former West Bromwich Albion and Wales international Jason, scored for the Premier League side against Southampton in the FA Cup last season.

He made his debut for Wales this summer in friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovakia.

But he is not eligible for Saturday's opening Championship game at home to Coventry City.

"We are thankful to Liverpool for entrusting us with one of their brightest prospects ahead of other interested clubs," said Stoke sporting director Jon Walters.

Just like the last six seasons that have gone before, every Stoke City supporter is hoping that this is the year the club finds its feet and pushes for a return to the Premier League.

The reality though is somewhat different. From the Boothen End to the new safe standing zone, everyone is just wanting Stoke to be more competitive and better.

One reason for optimism is how Steven Schumacher's side ended last season, as Stoke signed off with three consecutive wins, three clean sheets and eight goals - performances that left the fans thinking things will be better.

Player of the season Bae Junho has had 12 months of adjusting to English football. What impact will he make with more expectation on him? And it looks like Schumacher has strengthened at the back by bringing in one of the Championship's best goalkeepers Viktor Johansson and the experience of Ben Gibson at centre-half.

The big question remains over who scores the goals? Tyrese Campbell has moved on, for multiple reasons Ryan Mmaee hasn't found his stride in the Championship and it'll be interesting to see how new signing Sam Gallagher fits in.

Stoke are still short on numbers and quality, but things could look very different in a couple of weeks. This summer will be the biggest test so far for sporting director Jon Walters as he and new head of recruitment Lee Darnbrough go about helping Schumacher build a team that can be consistently competitive in the Championship.