According to reports from The Telegraph, manager Mark Hughes looks like he has managed to persuade chairman Peter Coates to part with a staggering £18.2m in order to seal the signature of FC Porto’s exciting talent Gianelli Imbula.
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The 23 year-old former France U21 worldwide is seen as an ideal replacement for Steven N’Zonzi, who joined Spanish club Sevilla for £7m in July.
That could change, however, with Mark Hughes apparently resurrecting a deal for Porto midfielder Giannelli Imbula and also considering possible signings both in defence and attack. The deal will be more expensive than the £12million spent on Switzerland worldwide Xherdan Shaqiri in August.
Hughes has, however, given up hope of signing Saido Berahino from West Brom – they were competing with Newcastle – after being told the player is not for sale.
Suggestions that Stoke are interested in either Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi or Dynamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko have been dismissed, but Hughes could sign a defender on loan following an injury to Marc Wilson, though the quicker-than-expected recovery of Ryan Shawcross lessens that need. However, he is line to make his debut against Everton on Saturday.
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After going out of the Capital One Cup last week at the semi-final stage, Stoke were beaten by Palace in the fourth round of the FA Cup and now just have 15 Premier League matches to concentrate on between now and the end of the season.
