Mark Hughes eyes £4m defender as first Stoke signing
New Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has set his sights on Netherlands international Erik Pieters and wants to make him his first signing since joining the Potters.
PSV Eindhoven star Pieters is likely to cost Stoke around £4million but Hughes is eager to boost his new team’s defence.
The left-back, who can also play as a central defender, was close to joining Newcastle United last year but he broke a metatarsal bone in his left foot and was out for nine months.
The fiery character, who missed the European Championships last year through injury, has been known to see red in the Dutch league on several occasions and would need taming in the Premier League it seems.
Hughes will want to make his mark this summer as Stoke embark on a complete shake up, in both manager and style it would appear.
Under Pulis Stoke were labeled as a “hoof-ball” team and Hughes will want to slowly but surely change the club’s philosophy whilst maintaining their Premier League status.
Stoke apparently wish to conclude the deal by the time he returns to Holland following his tour to Indonesia and China.
It will be a busy summer for the Potters and arguably their most important transfer window since theywere promoted to the Premier League.
0 comments