Walters targeting multiple Stoke signings

Stoke City's sporting director Jonathan Walters has set an ambitious target to add multiple signings before pre-season starts next month. The club finished 17th in the Championship last year and eyes a swift rebuild ahead of a ninth season outside the Premier League. A behind-closed-doors friendly with Braga is planned for Friday, July 10, followed by a warm-up at Crewe Alexandra eight days later. Stoke has already cut ties with Lewis Baker and Steven Nzonzi, while Milan Smit's loan move was made permanent. Walters says his aim is to bring in many players quickly, noting that market pace and World Cup timing complicate deals.