Stoke boss Mark Hughes wants on-loan Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland as a permanent addition to his squad. Hughes said: "He's done very well for us and we're pleased with what he's producing.
"He's out of contract at the end of the season and it's fair to say I don't think Stephen thinks his future lies at Aston Villa. He will be moving somewhere. Ideally it would be to us."
The Potters boss confirmed Ireland is aware he is valued at Stoke, but when asked if he had held discussions on the player's future, Hughes said: "Only in passing, there's been no official talks as yet.
"Stephen's enjoying his time here and it's up to him to keep on playing well and impressing everybody here, which he has done up to this point."
