Mark Hughes is ready to weigh in with a big bid for Victor Moses or agree to another loan deal to try to keep the winger at Stoke.
But the Stoke manager stresses that Chelsea and Moses himself will have the final say at the end of the season when he pops the question about the Nigeria star moving to Stoke.
And Hughes says: “We’d ideally love to be able to take him if we can, but that won’t be our decision.
“Things have to fall in place, but if there was an opportunity to bring Victor here next season we’d love to do it.
“It will be discussed at the end of the season – and we will see how far it can go. But his profile is being raised all the time, so it is a two-edged sword.
“A loan could be a compromise. The key would be to try to find a way to keep him here next season. His parent club will have a huge say in that, of course.
“Victor is very happy. He will have to look at where, if he did go back to Chelsea, that would leave him. Would he get the opportunity perhaps his talents deserve?”
Hughes hopes Moses himself will plump for a move to the Brit after enjoying more game time this season (15 league starts despite injury) than in his previous two at Chelsea and one on loan to Liverpool last term.
Hughes added: “This decision to come to Stoke was crucial both for us and him.
“It was always about playing and not about any other issues. It was all about his desire to play and we made a good case for himself.
“He’s got options, but he knows he’s wanted here and for players that is highly important.
“We’ve not done ourselves any harm whatsoever and if he has choices we will be very much in his thoughts.”
Trending
- Alleged defilement of girlfriend: 23-year-old student freed after two years
- We’re not aware of any BoT in Labour Party — NEC
- Anambra police station attacked, set ablaze
- National Convention: We gave INEC over 100 days notice – LP
- Naira falls against dollar by 0.7%
- Delta Killings: Traditional ruler declared wanted surrenders self
- 3rd Mainland Bridge: Minister gives date for full reopening
- Eve’s Desire: Challenges of a loveless marriage, by Tiwa Says