Stoke: Hughes keen on Egyptian striker; permanent deal for defender; Spaniard to leave

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With the transfer window in full flow, we look at four of the most relevant Stoke City related stories from the last two days including a potential move for an Egyptian striker, updates on the futures of Marc Muniesa and Bruno Martins-Indi, and news on Geoff Cameron’s continuing injury issues.

ESPN are reporting that Stoke City are amongst a host of clubs interested in signing Egyptian striker Basem Morsy.

The 25-year-old is highly rated in his homeland having scored 48 goals in just over two seasons and has helped Zamalek secure one Egyptian Premier League title and two Egyptian Cup successes during his time with the club. He has also made 10 appearances for the national team, although he was omitted from the Egypt squad that is currently competing for the African Cup of Nations, and already has 7 strikes to his name.

Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa are reportedly keen on securing Morsy’s signature and The Potters have already utilised the Egyptian market when they signed Ramadam Sobhi in the summer.

Zamalek will undoubtedly be cautious of selling their star striker but could be tempted to cash in with Morsy’s current deal expiring in the summer.

Meanwhile, the Potters are hopeful of signing Bruno Martins-Indi on a permanent deal before the end of the month, according to Chief Executive Tony Scholes.

The central defender is currently on a season-long loan from Portuguese side Porto and The Potters are keen to agree a full transfer believed to be in the region if £8,500,000. There is a clause in the player’s current loan agreement that allows Stoke to purchase the 24-year-old in the summer but Mark Hughes is keen to push through a deal before the end of the January transfer window.

The Dutch international has been in impressive form so far this campaign making 19 appearances in all competitions. His performances have resulted in a recall to the national team and Stoke are keen to tie up a permanent transfer before others clubs begin to show an interest.

Elsewhere, reports in Spain suggest that Stoke City have turned down an initial approach from Real Betis for central defender Marc Muniesa.

The 24-year-old has been unable to hold down a first team spot under Mark Hughes and is open to a return to the continent to increase his playing time.

Real Betis made an approach for Muniesa earlier in the week but their offer was quickly rebuked by the Stoke City hierarchy. Reports suggest that The Potters would consider a bid in the region of £3,500,000 but that the cash-strapped Spaniards are struggling to raise that amount and a loan deal is not a viable option.

Spanish media sources are also claiming that Muniesa is keen for a deal to be agreed and that the central defender has asked for clear-the-air talks with manager Mark Hughes.

Finally, Geoff Cameron is aiming to return to action by early February according to the Staffordshire Sentinel.

The American international has been out of action for ten weeks with continuing knee issues after he was forced to limp out of The Potters’ two-goal victory over Hull in October. Cameron has flown back to the United States for a second opinion on his injury but is confident of returning to full fitness sooner rather than later.

The 31-year-old told the Staffordshire Sentinel:

“It’s 10 weeks now and it’s been a frustrating 10 weeks. I don’t think it requires surgery and I’m positive I’ll be back in the next month or so, but I want to take my time and make sure I’m fully recovered.”

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