Stoke manager Mark Hughes has confirmed his interest in signing Kurt Zouma and is "very hopeful" about agreeing a loan deal for the Chelsea defender.
It has been reported that Zouma will sign a new contract with his parent club before immediately being sent out on loan, with Blues boss Antonio Conte eager for the 22-year-old to get more Premier League experience under his belt.
Hughes acknowledges that Stoke face competition to sign the centre-back, with West Brom also keen, but he is confident of bringing Zouma to the bet365 Stadium on a season-long deal.