Name: Giannelli Imbula
Position: Midfielder
Club: FC Porto
Imbula has struggled to make a real impression since his summer move to FC Porto.
Considering FC Porto paid Marseille in the region of £15m for Imbula last summer, this potential deal is an intriguing one.
The highly-rated 23-year-old has not had the best of times since moving to the Portuguese giants, starting just seven league matches, and it’s being suggested that he could already be available for transfer at the right price.
So why Stoke?
Firstly, Mark Hughes will be looking to replace Steve Sidwell, who was allowed to leave to go to Brighton, and will have an eye on a player who would strengthen, not weaken, that area now the former Fulham star has moved south.
Secondly, although the defensive midfielder is not at the same stage or age as Bojan, Shaqiri, Arnautovic and Affelay, he is highly thought of in Europe and Hughes seems to have a knack of rejuvenating the careers of promising players.
Porto’s £20m valuation would certainly prove a stumbling block, but a possible loan deal could be realistic and beneficial to all parties.
