Their bid to sign the 27-year-old is further complicated by interest from a number of other Premier League clubs but Stoke are battling to seal a move before Wednesday's deadline.

Saido Berahino remains on Hughes's radar but their hopes of signing the forward depend on West Bromwich Albion bringing in at least one striker of their own.

Stoke are also ready to sanction some departures before the window closes, with £5.75 million striker Joselu facing an uncertain future. Joselu has not played a single minute for Hughes this season and will be made available if Stoke sign a striker.