Stoke City chairman Peter Coates says manager Mark Hughes will be supported in the transfer market.

Hughes wants at least one new winger, while other areas of concern include full-back, midfield and his strike force.

And he will also have to dip into the goalkeeping market if Asmir Begovic is sold this summer.

"We are seeking to strengthen the team and hopefully we will be successful in doing that," said Coates to The Sentinel.

"We will back Mark as far as finances will allow. We have a good budget which we will work to and which will enable us to bring players in.

"We believe it will give us the opportunity to keep on improving, and we are confident that with a fair wind that can be done."