Stoke City boss Mark Hughes believes striker Wilfried Bony will remain at the club despite a clause that could see him move to China.

The Potters signed the Ivorian international on loan from Manchester City on the basis he could be sold outright to the Chinese Super League.

“I think that might well be true,” Hughes said of the release clause in Bony’s contract.

“But a lot of things need to happen for that to happen, not least Wilfried wanting to leave himself and I don’t think he will want to.

“He very much sees himself as a Premier League player in the years to come and I don’t anticipate it happening, certainly not in January.

“Clearly his club thought it would be a good deal and people will try and influence that.”

Bony, 27, has only found the net twice in nine Premier League games this season for the Potters, but Hughes isn’t concerned about the prospect of him leaving in January.

“There seems to be significant amounts of money being banded about but Wilfried isn’t short of a few quid to be perfectly honest.

“I think he’s more focused on continuing his career in the Premier League with us so unless he knocks of my door to say he’s got an offer I’ll be very surprised.”

Hughes was also asked if Stoke would buy if any potential offer did arise, adding: “We’re not thinking on those terms.

“We’re delighted he is here until the end of the season and we will look at it again.”

(pic courtesy of Stoke City)